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A Statement From The Disability Hate Crime Network On The Murder Of Jo Cox MP

June 17, 2016

A statement from the Disability Hate Crime Network:

We are all saddened and shocked by the killing of Jo Cox and we would like to extend our sympathies to her family, to her constituency and to all those who knew her.

A local man has been named as her alleged attacker and his family has made it clear that he may have had a long-standing mental health condition. In addition, it is being reported that he may have had links with extremist groups.

As co-ordinators of the Disability Hate Crime Network, we would urge, as we would always do, pre-trial, caution in reporting, on social media and in the press generally. This is so that there is a fair trial and that it does not break down. The family of Jo Cox deserve nothing less.

The alleged attacker, also, deserves a fair trial. As a person who may have a disability, he may need, and be given, extra support during the trial process. Reporting of his disability should be done within the usual reporting guidelines of mental health.

3 Comments leave one →
  1. jeffrey davies's avatar
    jeffrey davies permalink
    June 17, 2016 2:00 pm

    the tories have taking much away in health and care they used the hate card time and time again against the disabled sick mentally ill unemployed even those on low pay but this woman trying to make it better for all is tragicaly killed by another who should have been helped

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  2. Andrew's avatar
    Andrew permalink
    June 17, 2016 7:15 pm

    Mental illness does not justify what this man did. I know people with mental health problems and they would not think of this so that is not a excuse for murder. Still can think about what he did in prison for a long time.

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  3. PhobosAndDeimos's avatar
    June 18, 2016 4:13 am

    Totally agree.
    It’s pretty sickening to see political cult believers use this terrible event to suggest that people with a ‘history of mental illness’ are driven to such appalling acts by ‘conservative governments’. Just to try and score some worthless political points.
    Like *all* political parties aren’t equally culpable.

    *Only* ever shoot them with a camera.
    .

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