Families of Sheku Bayoh and Allan Marshall in vigil for deaths in custody
The families of Sheku Bayoh and Allan Marshall will come together for a vigil to demand an end to Scotland’s deaths in custody scandal. The vigil will take place outside the official residence of the First Minister at Bute House in Edinburgh next Saturday at noon. Relatives of both men are calling on SNP leader John Swinney or a representative to be present to receive a letter demanding action to address the increasing number of deaths in custody.
Sharon MacFadyen, the aunt of Allan Marshall, who passed away while in prison in Edinburgh, expressed her hope that other affected families would join them in their call for justice. She stated, “We want people to know what is happening in this country and to share Allan’s story.” The event is being organised by the United Friends and Families Scotland group, with a similar vigil scheduled to take place at Downing Street simultaneously.
Allan Marshall, a 30-year-old entrepreneur from Castlemilk, Glasgow, died in hospital after being restrained by multiple prison officers at HMP Edinburgh in March 2015. CCTV footage showed Allan being dragged naked down a corridor with a towel over his face, leading to widespread outrage. The Fatal Accident Inquiry ruled Allan’s death as “entirely preventable,” highlighting the misconduct of the involved officers.
Sheku Bayoh, a 31-year-old trainee gas engineer, passed away after being restrained by officers in Kirkcaldy in May 2015. His death is currently under public inquiry to determine if race played a role. The families are demanding justice and increased accountability within the system to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
As the families seek answers and accountability, the Scottish Government has expressed its condolences and assured that the issues raised in the families’ letter will be carefully considered. With ongoing legal proceedings and inquiries surrounding both cases, the families of Sheku Bayoh and Allan Marshall continue to push for transparency and justice in the face of their devastating losses.