Community demands answers from Toronto Police Service, Mayor John Tory in police killing of Andrew Loku

TORONTO, July 13, 2015 /CNW/ - Members of the Black community in Toronto are demanding answers from Police Chief Mark Saunders and Mayor John Tory after Andrew Loku was killed in his apartment complex on July 5, 2015. According to eyewitnesses, police officers killed Mr. Loku less than a minute after arriving on the scene. Community members want justice for Mr. Loku. The Toronto Police Services and the City must be held accountable for their actions resulting in the death of another Black Torontonian.

"Andrew Loku's murder by the police is a traumatic experience for Black people in Toronto. We are enraged," said Sandy Hudson, a representative of Black Lives Matter-Toronto. "Andrew Loku was working to provide a better life for his family overseas. He was a former child soldier, a refugee from South Sudan, and described by many as kind-hearted. Where is the justice? "

Working with family and friends of Mr. Loku, Black Lives Matter-Toronto has released these set of demands:

1. The immediate release of the names of the officer(s) who Killed Andrew Loku.
2. The immediate and public release of the video footage from the apartment complex where Andrew Loku was murdered. 
3. A public apology from the Mayor John Tory, Mark Saunders and the Toronto Police Department for their actions and the trauma that they have inflicted on the Black community.
4. The funeral of Andrew Loku to be funded completely by the Toronto Police department.
5. Charges to be laid against the officers who killed Andrew Loku.
6. Monetary compensation for the family of Andrew Loku for the damages caused by the Toronto Police department.

Black Lives Matter - Toronto is calling for these demands to be met by Wednesday, July 15, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. Should these demands remain unanswered, Black Lives Matter - Toronto along with the black community will be taking action.

Black Lives Matter Toronto is the Toronto chapter of #BlackLivesMatter, an international organization and movement fighting anti-Black racism all over the world.

SOURCE Black Lives Matter - Toronto

For inquiries, email Rodney Diverlus, Black Lives Matter-Toronto Media coordinator at [email protected] or 647-456-8476