Sunday 29th January, 8am Brighton Police Station John Street, BN2 0LA, Brighton.

Michael Abatan, brother of Jay Abatan will be holding a vigil outside Brighton Police station tomorrow morning, calling for justice for his brother who was murdered in a racist attack 13 years ago this week.

Jay’s family have tirelessly campaigned for justice, in a case which echoes the failings of the investigation of the murder of Stephen Lawrence. The investigation, which has been heavily criticised by the Police’s own reports, took place as the Macpherson report was published, finding institutional racism in the Met police.

Michael Abatan, brother of Jay Abatan said:

“People will ask why I am still here asking for justice for my brother after 13 years. It is not just for myself and his family but the people of Sussex deserve a police force who are competent and transparent. There are facts that still remain unanswered regarding the police re-investigation into my brothers death : Why was my brother’s original homicide investigation the only one in Sussex that year that was underfunded and so destined to fail. The Inquest that took place in October 2010 showed me there is still new evidence out there not gathered by the police. Following the inquest’s findings by the coroner, the police still refuse to look at the evidence and investigate those people it implicates.

Stephen Lawrence’s family have been through an uphill struggle and it has given me faith that even after 18 years some justice is possible, but the police must pursue all avenues of enquiry without fear or favour.”

David Norris and Gary Dobson have been found guilty of the murder of Stephen Lawrence 18 years after his tragic death, following a trial based on new forensic evidence. The two men were originally named as part of five ‘prime suspects’.

A catalogue of police errors marred the case and the ability to bring any suspects to court until now. The original failed investigation lead to the Lawrence Inquiry which branded the Metropolitan police as institutionally racist.

According to research by the Institute of Race Relations, since 1993 when Stephen was killed, 96 people have lost their lives in the UK in apparent racial attacks – a rate of over five each year.

Sabby Dhalu, Secretary of One Society Many Cultures said:

“We stand in solidarity with the family of Stephen Lawrence who have, up until today, been denied any justice for 18 long and painful years. Whilst we welcome the verdict, it has only been possible due to the unrelenting campaigning of the Lawrence family, who have faced many obstacles and had hopes dashed all too often over the years.

“We should heed the words of Doreen Lawrence. Racist murders and attacks still occur. Today’s verdict should not be used as an excuse to pretend institutional racism has been eradicated.

“We hope that lessons are learnt about the barbarity of racism and its mortal impact upon black communities, and that as recommended in the 1999 Stephen Lawrence Inquriy, steps are taken to overcome the institutional racism which denied this family, and continues to deny others, justice.”