Sharpeville Massacre Survivors Seek Legal Redress Against South African Government
2 sources across 2 countries · United Kingdom · United States
Who reported this
- BBC News
- Bloomberg
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- Centre
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- Right
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Survivors and dependents of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre have initiated a legal effort to seek justice and damages from the South African government. The legal action seeks to overturn or address a 65 year old indemnity law that has prevented the perpetrators of the massacre from being prosecuted and blocked survivors from seeking damages. On 21 March 1960, police opened fire on thousands of peaceful demonstrators who were protesting the repressive pass laws of the white minority government. These laws required black people to carry a passbook, known as a dompas, which restricted their movement and could lead to jail or beatings if not produced. At least 69 protesters were killed, though some recent estimates suggest the death toll may be as high as 91. More than 200 people were injured during the event. While South Africa held its first democratic election in 1994 and established the Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate apartheid era crimes, survivors state they have not yet seen justice. The legal case is set to be announced on Thursday.
How each side framed it
- Centre
- Both outlets framed the event as a pursuit of justice for victims of a racist system, with one focusing on the human experience of survivors and the other on the legal mechanism of a class action.
Sources
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