Her New Baby - Tyler Foundation (Photo: Tyler Foundation)

It was hours of crying everyday for Kimberly Forsythe when she lost her 23-month-old toddler in 2005. She is a happier woman now, having given birth to Tyler Foundation.

Forsythe`s son, Tyler Ferris, was diagnosed with leukemia when he was one-month old and died after a struggle of almost two years. The daunting experience turned her world upside down, she now recalls, in her courageous voice. She talks passionately about her new baby.

Tyler Foundation, the first Non-Profit Organization (NPO) to support families of kids fighting cancer in Japan, was born last year. Its creation has given a new meaning to Forsythe`s life - a reason to move on and feel motivated.

“It would have been easy to wallow in self pity,” she said. “Focusing that desperate energy on something positive was a huge help.”

The idea of setting up this organization was that of Forsythe`s husband, Mark Ferris, right after Tyler`s death, when she was still in a serious state of shock and mourning. He suggested her to set up a charity fund to help families fighting cancer. Two months later, she told herself one morning, after hours of crying, that she had no choice but to move on. It was then she started working on the concept, creating contents for the website of the foundation. She has been on her toes ever since.

“I embraced Mark`s suggestions and everything just gelled for me” said Forsythe, who now devotes most of her time visiting hospitals, organizing charity events, reaching out to people going through the distress she once was a part of.

The US-born Forsythe aims to help and support the families of kids fighting against cancer by providing them with counseling services, financial assistance for diagnostic tests, which aren’t covered by the Japanese health insurance system, and also by improving the life of patients by making their day a little brighter at the hospital.

As of date, the Foundation has raised $400,000, and Forsythe's programs, in cooperation with National Center for Child Health and Development (NCCHD), will be introduced in some Japanese hospitals. Forsythe has already hired Satomi Funaki, a young clinical psychologist specializing in mother and child counseling, to provide counseling, play therapy and support for the children in the cancer ward of NCCHD.

“The concept of counseling is a foreign concept in Japan,” she said. “I want to help mums, who are spending all day in hospitals, away from their families. (For these patients,) I want to introduce simple things to keep them entertained as kids are bored in the hospitals.” She wants to organize entertaining events for kids and provide them with access to computers so that they can send emails to their friends.

Some of the ideas Forsythe wants to implement are of her own, derived from her own experiences, and some from the surveys she conducts. She also consults her team of experts, which includes, Dr. Masaaki Kumagai from the Division of Hematology/Oncology at the NCCHD, Tamaki Kumagai, assistant professor in faculty of Nursing and Medical Care at Keio University, and Shigeko Saiki-Craighill, professor of pediatric nursing at Tokyo Metropolitan University, researching in the medical culture surrounding pediatric cancer patients and their families.

It has been a difficult journey for Forsythe from the beginning – losing Tyler, raising funds and now trying to change the Japanese mindset. But she is optimistic about the difference she can make in the society.

“There are problems we face with hospitals – what we are trying to do is a hard sell,” she said. “When we go to them with our ideas, they see new work causing them more work. This is going to take a little time, but some Japanese hospitals are willing to give it a go.”

It may be a long and laborious process for Forsythe in a society known for being conservative and not so forthcoming with new ideas, but she is determined to continue with her work. She lost one Tyler, but hopes to see her new Tyler grow.

Crisis in Iraq

A sense of triumph was in the air during the downfall of Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq in 2003. I still vividly remember watching on T.V. the faces of many Iraqis rejoicing over the toppling of Saddam’s statue, hoping for freedom, safety and peace. Little did they know that 3 years down the road, they would still be struggling to cease the violence.

Nothing much has been achieved ever since by the US-led coalition, and if anything, humanitarian situation is worsening, as revealed by the Red Cross latest report.

"The suffering that Iraqi men, women and children are enduring today is unbearable and unacceptable," said Pierre Kraehenbuehl, director of operations for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). "We are not seeing a stabilising effect yet," from the launch of U.S.-led coalition forces in Baghdad, he said.

That echoes a report by the Oxford Research Group think tank, which said UK and US policy towards Iraq had "spawned new terror in the region".

There is a lesson for the US to be learnt from these findings – the disastrous situation is a clarion call for the US to withdraw its troops from Iraq. The US needs ensure that the lives of ordinary people are spared. The US has failed in achieving “freedom” for Iraqis as freedom doesn’t mean one worrying about their life every second. Freedom doesn’t mean one confined to one’s home when going out becomes a question of life and death. The troops should leave as they haven’t succeeded in crushing the voilence, but have instead made things worse.

What the US has left Iraqis with is not a hope for freedom, security or peace, but a sense of trepidation. They were perhaps better off under Sadam’s regime!

Playing Cricket or Politics (Photo:Flickr)

A Bangladeshi friend, consoling me over India’s knock out from the World Cup, said to me, “Hey, don’t be mad. The Pakis are gone as well.” His comment made me wonder if the elimination of Pakistan (our arch rival, as most Indians would say!) from the tournament was really going to do the magic for me and make me think any less about the disasters of our team? More than that, has the dirty politics preyed upon our minds?

Almost 60 years after the independence, relations between India and Pakistan still remain hostile. The issues regarding the most debated region, Kashmir, still remain unresolved. The Pakistanis argue that Kashmir should have become part of Pakistan at the time of partition due to its Muslim-oriented population. India claims Kashmir to be their part because of the Instrument of Accession signed by Maharaja Hari Singh in October 1947. The dispute on the territory has caused two of the three India-Pakistan wars: the first in 1947, the second in 1965.

Due to this historical anonymity, governments of both nations have continuously blamed each other for any terrorist attacks in their respective countries, making the other one look like the culprit. Many patriotic Bollywood, commenly referred to as "Hindi cinema," often shows Pakistan playing “the villain,” promoting terrorism in our country and killing our people.

Absorbing everything we are fed with bodes well for the politicians, who have built their careers on the rhetoric surrounding the Kashmir issue and nationalism. We allow them to play with our unquestionable nationalistic sentiment and before we know it, it is reflected even in cricket. Of course, it is a different story when there is a battle between India and Pakistan on the cricket pitch, but we can not even bear the thought of our neighbor-country winning against another far-stretched country simply because we are out.

I hope that our cricket team isn’t going to use my friend’s rationale in making themselves feel good, but rather going to take their ouster from the World Cup as an opportunity to reflect on their weaknesses and do something about their performances in the future.

I also hope that we question these politicians, who are good at blaming others for all their policy failures, and not doing much to resolve the issue itself. All we need is peace and not a political agenda that provokes our nationalistic sentiment.

Dying with Dignity (Photo:BBC)

Kelly Taylor, a 30-year old terminally-ill woman, is in severe pain, confined to a wheel chair and has breathing problems. She has been given less than a year to live. She wants to die soon but doesn’t want to leave her country to do so.

The legal framework in the UK not only denies Britons like Taylor of their human rights but also the right to die in their own country. It is a country where euthanasia and assisted suicide are illegal.

Earlier this year, Bristol-based Taylor began a landmark court battle to force doctors to let her die. Her lawyers are arguing that the doctors are breaching her human rights by denying her medication that could kill her. Her trial, calling for a change in the British law, is due April 24 in the High Court.

“Her case highlights the impossible dilemma that the current law presents to patients with terminal illness where pain relief and palliative care do not work to relieve their condition,” according to Deborah Annetts, chief executive of Dignity in Dying, a campaigning organization. In May 2006, the Assisted Dying for the Terminally Ill Bill, which would legalize assisted suicide in the nation, was defeated in the House of Lords.

Taylor suffers from Eisenmenger's Syndrome, a heart and lung condition associated with a congenital defect, along with spinal condition called Klippel-Feil syndrome. She wants doctors to increase her morphine dose to induce a coma-like state, even though the drug may hasten her death – a decision called “double effect.” Her doctors are denying her of her will, citing legal and ethical concerns.

While many like Taylor are calling for assisted suicide, some doctors, campaigners and religious bodies oppose the argument saying introducing assisted dying would create pressure for all seriously-ill people to consider it even if they would not otherwise entertain the idea and may have negative implications on the wider society.

“Patients might feel obliged to choose it for the wrong reasons, such as if they were worried about being a burden or concerned about the financial implications of a long terminal illness,” said Franca Tranza, Press Officer at British Medical Association. She also said the concept of assisted dying risks undermining patients’ ability to trust their doctors and the health care system by generating anxiety among vulnerable, elderly and disabled patients.

A spokesperson for the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales reiterated Church`s stance in opposing euthanasia or assisted suicide is based on the principle “that all human life is sacred, and no one has the right to take that life.”

Despite such moral and religious beliefs reflected by some, the wider society is calling for a change in the law. Four out of five people in the UK say the law should allow a doctor to end the person’s life at their request and three out of five people say the law should allow a doctor to assist the person to take their own life, according to the British Social Attitudes Survey published in January.

Daniel Sokol, medical ethicist at Keele University explained the attraction towards the concept of euthanasia and assisted suicide by saying, to die with dignity is "dying in a way which most closely matches your perception of yourself and your life story.”

Assisted suicide is legal in some European countries including Netherlands and Switzerland, prompting some Britons to leave their country to die. The presence of Dignitas clinic in Switzerland has helped more than 40 Britons to end their lives, including Dr Anne Turner, a retired doctor from Bath in January last year.

If Taylor wins the battle, she would not only save others in similar situation from everyday suffering, but will also make it easier for them to die closer to their beloved ones.

“If I went abroad to die I would do so knowing that my wonderful husband Richard, who would go with me, could face prosecution on his return to the UK, and I could not allow that to happen,” she said in her statement on the Dignity in Dying website. “I admire the people who make such a journey, but really, it should not be necessary” if the laws are in place.

April 24 is a day to watch and see for all those wanting to die a dignified death.

Your Stunts (Photo:Flickr)

Chancellor Gordon Brown on Wednesday laid out the budget plans for 2007. While his intentions may have been to “expand prosperity and fairness for Britain's families,” there was a bigger motive behind it all.
That motive was to appeal to majority of Britons to win back support from his opponent David Cameron, leader of the Conservative Party. Not a bad stunt, Chacellor!

After 10 years in power, the ruling Labour party is trailing terribly in the polls and is trying its best to be in the power after Tony Blair resigns in September. Majority of Britons have condemned the government for the Iraq war, hike in council taxes and scandals involving the “cash-for-honours.”

Cameron has battered Brown's support in polls both in popularity and reputation for managing the world’s fifth-largest economy. An opinion poll by ICM Ltd. showed 41 percent of voters support the Conservatives while Labour had 31 percent.

The Treasury, which has been in deficit for the past five years, is struggling to pay for Brown’s programs while meeting rules to keep a lid on debt. The government's deficit will total 118 billion pounds in the fiscal years through April 2011. In December, when Brown announced an extra 7 billion pounds in borrowing, he said there would be a 108 billion-pound shortfall over that period.

While Brown is appealing hard to gain votes, he really needs to convince Britons that he will be able to make a difference in their lives. Making an excellent speech isn’t going to trick many, he needs to convince the people that he is here to make a difference and will “build a stronger shared national consensus around future priorities,” as he promised in his speech. Easier said than done - good luck, Chacellor!

Wake Up! (Photo:Web)

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“There is no freedom without struggle, and there is no freedom without sacrifice,” said Morgan Tsvangirai, the main opposition party leader in Zimbabwe, who called for a popular struggle against Robert Mugabe's government. He suffered a brain injury and a fractured skull and was moved into the incentive care unit.

Tsvangirai isn’t alone in facing this kind of torture in the fight for freedom from dictatorship. Under Mugabe`s regime, so many opposition activists have gone through this brutality and political tyranny – some have been detained, raped and even murdered.

Mugabe, who once fought for the freedom of his country, is now denying that freedom to his own people. He has created an economic and political crisis in a once-prosperous nation, which is now known for chronic shortages of food and medicine, highest inflation rate in the world, violation of human rights.

Why hasn’t the UN or international community taken any drastic steps against such cruelties? Is it because it is a case a minority and powerful black community is terrorizing and slaughtering a major black community?

“Mugabe has murdered more black Africans than the evil South African apartheid regime,” said human-rights campaigner, Peter Tatchall. “A black state murdering black citizens does not, apparently, merit the same outrage as a white state murdering black citizens. I call that racism.”

It is time the international community did more than just denouncing Mugabe`s acts. Zimbabwe’s suspension from the Commonwealth alone can`t achieve much, but an end to President Mugabe’s dictatorship would.

The international community must show solidarity with the freedom struggle of the people of Zimbabwe, otherwise sacrifices alone from the opposition activists will only lead to more brutality and murders in the nation. In my opinion, Tsvangirai`s sacrifice and struggle will only pay off if the international community wakes up.

Double Whammy (Photo:Flickr)

It took Salma Rehman (name changed), a 27-year old lesbian, a couple of years to accept her sexuality and 7 years to gather the courage to tell her father. She is still not comfortable talking about it to most in her extended family.

“Not everyone wants to know and is ready to know,” she said. “There isn’t much room in the Muslim culture to identify oneself as homosexual.”

Being Muslim is difficult in a post 9/11 world and if you are a homosexual, it is a double whammy. You are in a constant battle of fighting off Islamophobia with other communities and homophobia with your own. There is no recognition by any Muslim group so far of gay legitimacy as a community, as pointed out by Farzana, Chair of Imaan Group, a social group for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Muslims, their families, friends and supporters.

The Muslim Council of Britain (MCB), the umbrella organization representing British Muslims in the UK, is taking a hard-line approach towards gay Muslims; either dismissing them as criminals or denying the existence of homosexuals in their religion. Shenaz Yusuf, MCB press officer, reiterated the organization stance towards homosexuality saying the practice is sinful in Islam.

MCB was established in 1997 to “work for the eradication of disadvantages and forms of discrimination faced by Muslims,” and to promote “unity,” according to their website.

For Rehman, the journey to accept her sexuality was much easier than some others. She went to the US, away from home, when she was 18 and became more open about her sexuality. Due to the conservative nature of Islam, many don’t have that privilege –they fear being excluded and stigmatized from their own society, she said.

It is their own straight people attacking their gay Muslims brother and sisters, making them feel isolated and vulnerable, according to Peter Tatchell, campaigner of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender human rights group OutRage!

“It is shocking in this climate of Islamophobia that a part of Muslim community is compounding anti-Muslim prejudice with homophobia,” said Tatchell. “Muslims shouldn’t be in a position where need to choose between faith and sexuality.”

Islam, which only allows sex between husband and wife, condemns sexual activities between partners of the same sex. Even though some liberal Muslims say that the holy book Quran doesn’t explicitly denounce same-sex-relationships, some Muslims, such as Zaid Ahmed, think otherwise.

“I believe that it (being homosexual) is beyond any natural explanation,” said Ahmed, a freelance writer, who believes that people aren’t born as gay. “Gay Muslims have made up a choice of being gays, and by doing that, they have abandoned their faith, as faith and homosexuality doesn't go together.” Ahmed strongly believes when people go against mother-nature, they deserve to be cut off from the society.

MCB, which represents 3 percent of UK`s total population, has denounced talks with OutRage! for the past two years. They have also said openly that gay Muslims aren’t welcomed in the organization, according to Tatchell.

Some say that radical Muslims use religion to attack the sexual preferences of gay people, whereas it is more of a cultural issue. “Religion is there to guide us not to make us conform,” said Rehman. “It is an emotional anchor, a connection to someone above, and just a way to stay in touch with your roots and be honest to God, not to make u regret your own preferences.”

Ahmed disagrees. “We Muslims believe that God (Allah) has created Adam and Eve and not Adam and Steve,” he said.

Homosexual acts are a capital crime in several Muslim countries such as Iran. In accordance with Islamic law, or shariah law, homosexuality is a crime and calls for execution. An Imaan in Manchester last year said that execution of gay men is justified.

While the argument can go on, there is still a need to ensure that there isn’t a selective approach to human rights. In a society where Islamophobia is prevalent, gay Muslims are subjected twice to prejudice and discrimination – once for being gay and then for being Muslim.

Past is Past (Photo:Flickr)

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this month said there is “no evidence” that women were forced to become sex slaves by the Japanese army during World War II.

It is indeed embarrassing when the premier of a nation makes such ignorant remarks, while his government in the past has recognized its atrocities and apologized for running brothels for its Imperial army troops. Not only that, the government also set up a special fund in 1995 to compensate women affected during the WWII.

An estimated 200,000 women from Asia – mostly Korean and Chinese - were forced to work as sex slaves during the WWII.



Some in the government probably realize that Abe`s comments were not appropriate considering the strained relations Japan has with its neighboring countries. Therefore, a Japanese Cabinet spokesman appeared later to play down Abe's comments by saying the premier stood by an apology made by the government in 1993 for the use of so-called "comfort women".

While my advice to Abe would be to be consistent with the government’s stance and to embrace the truth, I would also like to advise China and South Korea to move on.

I am not trying to ignore the gravity of the problem, but I would stress that while the new generation should know how ruthless the Japanese were during the war, they should not be paying a price for it.

Germany committed ghastly crimes during the WWII and killed millions of Jews, but they don’t apologize anymore. Past is past, and while we should embrace and accept it, without denying it, we should also learn to move on and not dwell on it.

Who Should be Blamed? (Photo:Neha Kumar)

They don't take the responsibility for their actions, but rather blame it on Muslims, multiculturism. They justify their actions in the name of peace, while they are clearly the ones waging a war, spending billions on nuclear weapons.

They blamed Saddam Hussein for the death of hundreds, while they never talk about the consequences of their deeds in Iraq, or even Afghanistan.

These were the voices I heard from about 60,000 protestors, who flocked at Trafalgar Square on February 24 to protest for Stop the War. A place that usually attracts thousands of tourists everyday was filled with anti-war sentiment - calling for a peaceful world.

Despite strong opposition from the public, Tony Blair has sent more troops to Afghanistan. Britain has recently announced their plans send more than 1,000 troops in the country.

The UK prime minister will soon unveil a plan in the next week budget to fund the new reinforcements to Iraq and Afghanistan by perhaps cutting spending in more needed areas like education and health. The BBC earlier reported that between £15bn and £20bn would be spent on new submarines to carry the Trident missiles, despite a large rebellion from within the Labour party.

Democracy has failed most Britons as their voices remain muted. We elect a Prime Minister in a hope that things would change for better, but what really changes is the degree of betrayal, and nothing else.

The government is in denial of its failures, its deeds and its consequences in this world. They blame Muslims and multiculturism when they themselves are the real war mongers and criminals.

Creating Identity or Killing it? (Photo:Web)

A potential mum-in-law took one look at my skirt and boots combination and asked - rather pointedly - if I could drape a saree around myself. I answered no. The silence stretched out uncomfortably between us as I drew conclusions from her question and she took in my answer. Underlying that question was the real issue – “are you the traditional daughter-in-law I want for my son?”

To provide you with some background; I recently turned 28, and the pressure to get married is mounting up. During my recent trips to India, my family and relatives tried to introduce me to eligible bachelors and I was asked to have a “casual” meeting with a US-based guy and his parents.

While I was wrestling with what to wear for the meeting, I decided to go in something I felt comfortable and confident in. Also, something that depicted a true picture of myself. My Indian relatives would have preferred me going in something traditional, but for me, wearing saree isn`t my cup of tea as I find the 5-6 meter cloth dragging all over the place, and as for salwaar kameez, I didn’t have any at that point.

I am not going to go on about my meeting with this family anymore as the outcome of it was a mere waste of time for us and for them, but it made me question whether wearing a dress out of compulsion of traditional/religious values a good idea when it makes us feel less confident?

A Muslim woman I once met during the veil debate triggered by Jack Straw said every Muslim woman should wear a niqab as it is a part of Islamic culture. She also told me how wearing one gives her a sense of confidence, protection and identity. While I would feel completely the opposite way if I were to wear a saree out of cultural compulsions, and rather oppressed.

I may never understand the need to wear something even if one doesn’t feel like, but I salute those who are willing to go through the staring, the uneasiness, the loss of identity in the name of protecting their culture.

Democratic Art (Photo:Fatima Najm)

Modern Graffiti, originated in 1960s, is a form of art and expression and creates beauty and color in the most alienating areas.

It is often criticised because of its nature of being bold and unconventional piece of art seen in public places, such as walls, subways, without getting property owner`s permission.

Still, some like the idea as it is full of expression, which is no different from freedom of speech or ideas. It depicts democratic art.



In 2004, the Keep Britain Tidy campaign issued a press release calling for zero tolerance of graffiti. To back the campaign, 123 MPs, including Tony Blair, signed a charter which said, Graffiti is not art, it's crime.

"I never found graffiti vandalism - it is street art as I see it," said Jana Manuelpillai, Director at The Noble Sage Art Gallery. "There are no frames, no museums, no imposing stone stairs leading upto a gallery in the world of graffiti - it is for everyone that takes a chance to look at no matter what class, creed or sex."

While it is easy for the government to condemn the existence of graffiti art and take a hard-line approach, they must ask themselves a question – what they have done to provide a ground for these artists to display their creativity?

Royal China, London (Review)

You won’t be seduced by the looks of it, but you would surely want to go back to Royal China in Baker Street, if you are a food lover.

The tasteless surroundings of the Chinese restaurant are too tacky for those looking for an elegant and classy place. The black walls are painted with patterns of birds and flowers engraved in bold gold, which strangely blends in with the garish furniture.

Their set menu, which costs £30 - £40, is quite filling and good but the beaming crowd is usually tucking away on their dim sums and spring rolls.

The vegetarian hot and sour soup is just right for a spice-seeking pallet. Also, the freshly-made steamed vegetable dumplings are tasty and melt in your mouth. The chilly baby squid is both crispy and scrumptious.

However, the service is appalling, even though they charge 13 percent for it, with waiters usually slapping the bill on your table. Still, the food compensates for it all.

If you forget the flashy deco or the outrageous service and just concentrate on the food, you would want to go back.

P.S. It is not an ideal place to take someone for a quiet or intimate date -- the crowd is as loud as the deco.


Address:
40-42 Baker Street, London, W1U 7AJ
Telephone: 020 7487 4688

Bengalis and Sweets (Photo: Neha Kumar)

Gujratis are stingy, Punjabis are always dancing and South Indians dress funny – ethnic background conjures up such stereotype images in our head. For Bengalis, it is their passion for sweets!

Bengalis are ready to bear the pain but will not keep away from daily intake of sweets everyday. It is a part of their culture, they would say in their defense.

I was in Kolkatta, the capital of West Bengal state, a couple of days back. It was astonishing to see the city is flooded with as many sweet shops as those of chemists.

“Sweets are a part of our daily lives, just like we need water, food and air to survive everyday, we need our sweets,” said a family friend, who suffers from obesity as well as diabetes. “It is a very Bengali thing to have such a rich sweet-eating culture.”

My dad, who has more than 1,100 employees working for him, says the common sickness that his staff complains of at work is diabetes. At least 10-15 percent of his staff is suffering from high sugar levels.

Perhaps it’s the sweetness and richness in the culture that discourages Bengalis to move outside of Bengal --another peculiar thing I found about them. Having said that, there are exceptions - there are Bengalis who have ventured into an outside world, for whom homecoming is as sweet as the Rasgulla (a Bengali sweet)!

Protest Against Custodial Deaths

Families holding photos, flowers and banners in Central London were gathered once again in the cold just to seek justice for the lives of their beloved ones, and to put an end to the deaths in police and prison custodies.

About hundred protestors took part in the 8th annual demonstration by United Families & Friends Campaign (UFFC) on Oct. 28 at Trafalgar Square to raise their voice against the government, who has turned a deaf ear for years.

``There are times you have to embarrass the government,’’ said Pauline Campbell, a campaigner and a mother of an 18-year old Sarah, who died in prison in 2003. ``I am tired of promises and investigations.’’

Campbell has been arrested 13 times for her protests against the custodial deaths. She won’t stop until the government commits putting an end to the brutality that takes place in a dark world unknown to most of us.

``I am doing this to raise public awareness about the unacceptable death toll in prisons,’’ she said. ``People are dying at the hands of the state and there’s no accountability.’’

According to Independent Police Complaint Commission (IPCC), the number of deaths in or after custody fell to 28 in the fiscal year ending March 2006, compared with 36 deaths a year ago. Not even a single policeman has been evicted and the IPCC, instead of taking some of the responsibility, blamed the vulnerable nature of the victims.

``If the policemen haven’t been prosecuted, it means that we didn’t find them guilty after the investigation,’’ said spokesman Richard Arthur. ``Also, you have to remember that most of these victims use drugs or alcohol, or are mentally unstable.’’

UFFC, which was established in 1997 by families and supporters, holds annual protests in London in October in response to prison or police deaths of loved ones.

Another protestor, Rhonda Bishop, said her 25-year old brother was arrested for an ``unknown’’ reason. Ricky Bishop was said to have gone to the police himself to get arrested, she said citing the version told to her family by the police.

Her family was told that Ricky was interviewed in a room for four hours, where there were no cameras installed, and the tape on which his conversation was recorded was misplaced. Her brother died popping an overdose of cocaine in his mouth within a few hours of interrogation – an explanation she is not convinced with.

``He was a body builder and took good care of himself,’’ said Bishop, who doesn’t believe that he took drugs himself, unless he was forced to have them.

Juvenile deaths are also common in custodies. Adam Rickwood, a 14-year old, took his life within a month of being in police custody. The police didn’t let him out even after the man, whom Rickwood had wounded, had dropped his charges against the boy.

His mother, Carol Pounder, still clearly recalls how her son was shaking and crying uncontrollably when she visited him in a Secure Training Centre (STC) and told her ``I need to be home with you, I hate it here. I will hurt myself bad or do myself.’’

She was assured by a worker at the STC that she shouldn’t worry and her son will be taken care of. He died 20 days later. She wants a public inquiry into her son’s death and wants the government to take an action to prevent further deaths in custodies.

Families of the victims have their own story to tell, but they are all searching for one answer – when will the government take any action against those involved in police and prison custody deaths?