Justice for Lucia: No More Migrant Deaths
A BC Coroners inquest into the tragic and shameful death of Lucia Vega Jimenez is beginning on Monday September 29th and continues till Friday October 3rd.
The community, including a coalition of eight immigrant, refugee and Latin American community groups, has been SHUT OUT of this inquest.
We invite the community for a delegation on the first day of the inquest as well an evening rally to gather and renew our calls and commitment for justice.
PRESS CONFERENCE AND DELEGATION
Monday September 29th at 8:30 am
Burnaby Coroners Court, MetroTower II. Easiest way to find it is adjacent to skytrain station take the Central Blvd entrance to the Mall, right by the open plaza area.
RALLY AND VIGIL
Tuesday September 30th at 6:30 pm
CIC offices, 300 West Georgia, near VPL.
Lucia Vega Jimenez was a 42-year Mexican hotel worker who died while under Canadian Border Service Agency’s custody in December 2013 after being turned over to immigration authorities by TransLink police. Just prior to her scheduled deportation to Mexico, she hung herself in cells at the Vancouver International Airport. She died eight days later, on December 28, 2013. Lucia’s death was kept secret by CBSA and pubic officials for over a month.
Community members uncovered this horrific tragedy and sounded the alarm to media. Lucia’s death sparked national outrage. A petition by community groups with over 8,688 signatures calls for a full, transparent and independent civilian inquiry and investigation. The petition also calls for independent civilian oversight and a comprehensive review of migrant detention policies.
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