Sharpeville massacre survivors file class action lawsuit in South Africa
Summary
Survivors and relatives of victims from the 1960 Sharpeville massacre in South Africa are filing a class-action lawsuit against the government. They want compensation and the removal of a law that prevents victims from making legal claims related to the massacre.Key Facts
- The Sharpeville massacre happened on March 21, 1960, when police shot unarmed protesters opposing apartheid pass laws.
- At least 69 people died according to police records, but research cited by the lawsuit says 91 died and over 238 were injured.
- The 1961 Indemnity Act protects government officials from being sued over the massacre and still exists today.
- About 70 survivors and relatives want to join the lawsuit.
- Lawyers argue the Indemnity Act violates victims' constitutional right to access the courts.
- Only 51 survivors received reparations after the Truth and Reconciliation Commission process.
- The lawsuit aims to fill gaps left by past efforts and allow claims for damages to proceed.
- The government had not responded to the lawsuit announcement at the time of the report.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
