A 24-YEAR-OLD Black Somali man who died suddenly and unexpectedly following time spent in police custody has been laid to rest.

Protesters are calling for the Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC) to immediately release police body cam footage, and have set up a petition that you can sign here.

Lee Jasper, former deputy mayor of London has said it is time for “wholesale reconstruction” of the current police complaints system.

Activists have also been policed using COVID-19 measures which effectively outlaw protesting.

Hundreds gathered outside Cardiff police station to protest in solidarity with Mohamud’s family.

Bianca Ali now faces a £500 fine for organising events with more than 30 people in attendance. She is a founding member of Black Lives Matter Cardiff.

Protesters in London were also taken into police custody, but were eventually released without charge.

On January 12 2021, the Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC) said there was “no physical trauma injury to explain a cause of death” for Mohamud.

This is despite assertions from Mohamud’s family that his body had visible injuries.

Campaigners have criticised South Wales’ police as no one from the force reached out to Mohamud’s family in the immediate aftermath of his passing.

The family are expected to launch a justice campaign, and the Independent Office for Police Complaints (IOPC) have launched an investigation.

A fundraiser to help Mohamud’s family with legal costs can be found here.

Previously, campaign group Inquest has pointed out that when cases go to inquest, grieving families must go through complex application processes to get legal aid. In contrast, police can access expensive legal support.

Since 1969, no police officer has been successfully convicted following a death in police custody.

The film, 1500 and Counting investigates deaths in police custody.

The film’s title highlights research from Inquest which shows that since 1990, there have been more than 1500 deaths in police custody or following police conduct.