The Northern Territory Director of Public Prosecutions has announced that no charges will be laid against police officers involved in the death of Kumanjayi Walker, a 19-year-old Indigenous man who died in custody in Alice Springs in 2019. The decision has been met with widespread condemnation from Aboriginal leaders and human rights groups.
Background of the Case
Kumanjayi Walker died after being arrested by police in the remote community of Yuendumu, about 300 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs. He was allegedly handcuffed and placed in a prone position in the back of a police van, where he stopped breathing. An autopsy found that his death was caused by positional asphyxia, a condition where the body's position restricts breathing.
Prosecutor's Decision
The Director of Public Prosecutions, John Breeze, said in a statement that after reviewing all available evidence, including expert opinions, there was insufficient evidence to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the officers acted criminally. He noted that the officers had not intentionally harmed Walker and that their actions were consistent with standard police procedures at the time.
Reactions from the Community
The decision has sparked outrage among Indigenous communities and advocacy groups. “This is another example of the justice system failing Aboriginal people,” said Marcia Langton, a prominent Indigenous academic. “The police must be held accountable for their actions, and the system must change to prevent further deaths in custody.” In Yuendumu, community members expressed their grief and anger, saying that Walker's death should not go unpunished.
Calls for Reform
The case has renewed calls for an independent body to investigate deaths in custody and for changes to police training and procedures. The Australian Human Rights Commission has called for a national inquiry into Indigenous deaths in custody, noting that Aboriginal people are 15 times more likely to die in custody than non-Indigenous Australians. The NT government has announced a review of police practices but has not committed to a full inquiry.
The Walker family has indicated they will pursue other legal avenues, including a civil lawsuit against the NT government. “We will not rest until we get justice for Kumanjayi,” said a family spokesperson. “This decision does not end our fight.”
