Today I was honoured to join @risingredlantern , @vixenworkers , and @senatorthorpe at the press conference for Yuko in front of the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court at the committal hearing for the alleged murderer.
We know that the current legal system is fraught, with no inputs from communities, and is centred around what happens to the perpetrator. We as the community are locked out of all decisions making and truth-telling.
We know that the police will not be operating on Yuko’s interest. They do not have any connection to us, and are perpetrators of violence against our community.
Yuko’s story is not isolated and is emblematic of the ongoing oppression against migrants, women, and sex workers. This violence is a direct outcome of the failures of successive governments from both the major parties to legislate for the rights of our community.
Thank you to everyone who showed up early, at 8AM to help us set up, and to keep Yuko’s story alive. We will be providing updates and comments if there are further developments.
Court outcome update: brief report from today will be coming soon!
Today, our community gathered for Yuko, a beloved migrant sex worker as the magistrate court dropped the rape charges against her alleged killer.
At 9:00 am today, in front of the Melbourne Magistrate Court, in Yuko's Legacy. Over 100 community members gathered for justice. Migrants, sex workers, unionists, women’s rights advocates wore red, Yuko’s favourite colour, lanterns in hands, in demand of an end to the conditions that lead to Yuko’s murder & assault.
At 10:30 am today, inside the Melbourne Magistrate Court, the magistrate delivered ruling on the 3 charges against her killer:
• Rape - section 38
charge dropped; “absence of evidence”
• Murder - section 3A (unintentional killing in the course of rape)
charge dropped; “absence of evidence”
• Murder - Common Law
he pleaded not guilty; will face trial.
Next hearing: 9:30 am, Thursday 16 April
Let us grieve the wounds that were re-opened again today by the “justice system.”
We are reaffirmed, once again: we cannot rely on this system. It is up to us to fight for justice for Yuko.
For every migrant, every woman, every worker, every mother, every sex worker who never came home.
Our fight continues: For an end to the silencing of survivors, and to build community-based systems of justice.
for an end to border policing, visa crackdowns, and raids in our homes, workplaces, and communities.
for decriminalisation & an end to the policing of all forms of sex work.
See you all Tuesday Morning. BRING EVERYONE. WEAR RED.
Vigil and Speak Out: JUSTICE FOR YUKO
Front of Melbourne Magistrates Court
Tuesday 31 March, 8:45 AM
Content Flag: Murder, Gendered Violence, Whorephobia
@7newsmelbourne coverage of Yuko’s killer’s hearing today 23 March, with the Magistrate set to deliver ruling on whether or not there are enough evidence for a trial on 31 March.
Footage from PiP-Elected Sydney Mardi Gras Board Director Damien Nguyen at Press Conference this Morning in Taylor Square.
#MardiGras #TransRights #NoPrideInGenocide #ACAB
