Letter of the Day | Salute the courage and determination of Mercia Fraser

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There was just one reason why Mario Deane, instead of the immediate release he should have received, was sent to the cell where he was beaten to the death he suffered three days later in a hospital.

It was because he spoke his mind and uttered criticism of police for treating young men like him the unjust way some of them so often do. They couldn’t bear the shame of his retort. Truth can be hard to take. Mario was given that very same treatment.

So, Mario died for speaking up against injustice. But now, in the jury’s decision, that injustice has been exposed and condemned. Mario’s spontaneous courage is revealed. This son of Mercia Fraser is to be celebrated.

So is Mercia. In seeking vindication through 11 years of patient waiting for court hearings that never came about, it was her courage Mario had followed.

Mercia, we thank you for your staying power. We thank you for having given us Mario. We celebrate you both.

A friend, who shared your pain, shares now your freedom.

HORACE LEVY