Rita Odafe
A Swiss appeals trial has commenced for six police officers who were cleared of any wrongdoing in the death of Nigerian man, Mike Ben Peter Amadasun.
The circumstances surrounding Amadasun’s death have drawn parallels to the killing of George Floyd in the United States.
Supporters of the deceased gathered outside the courthouse in Renens, Switzerland, with a large banner that read “No justice, no peace.”
Amadasun, aged 39, passed away after a violent confrontation when he resisted a police search in Lausanne in early 2018.
During the altercation involving six officers, he was restrained on the ground, face-down, according to the family’s lawyer Simon Ntah.
The officers were acquitted during the initial trial held last year.
In June 2023, the Lausanne Criminal Court decided that the officers could not be found guilty of negligent homicide due to lack of conclusive evidence linking his death to the police intervention.
The court determined that the causes of Amadasun’s death were complex and not solely attributable to police actions.
While the court ruled in favor of the officers, the victim’s family and their legal representation argued that excessive force was used. They expressed intentions to pursue the case to the European Court of Human Rights if necessary.
The initial acquittal sparked outrage with attendees shouting objections and expressing disapproval of the verdict.
Amadasun’s widow and brother received applause as they exited the courtroom, with the widow vowing to seek justice for her husband.
A protest ensued both inside and outside the courthouse, with emotions running high and tensions escalating.
The appeal trial is scheduled to run until July 3, with the final verdict expected on July 8.
