Justice for Rashawn: Protesters Take Their Demands to 1735

Dozens of people gathered outside His Majesty’s Prison on Thursday to demand justice for Rashawn Shabazz and call attention to wider concerns about the treatment of people with mental health challenges in Antigua and Barbuda.

According to a report by Kisean Joseph of the Antigua Observer, about 50 people participated in the picket outside the prison, commonly known as 1735.

The demonstration was led by Shabazz’s father, Khalid Shabazz, who said his family remains determined to seek answers surrounding his son’s death while also highlighting other families who have struggled to obtain justice.

“We’re eternally grateful for the support,” Shabazz said, adding that many people across Antigua and Barbuda have concerns about receiving justice through the system.

He said the family hopes continued public pressure will encourage authorities to address longstanding problems and help create a justice system that better serves the country.

Shabazz also pointed to unsolved murders and missing-person cases, saying too many families continue to live without answers.

“Too many missing people, too many murders that remain unsolved. There’s too many families that are reeling,” he said.

Among those joining the protest was Michelle Wethered, who identified herself as Rashawn’s aunt. She said the family would continue pressing for justice for her nephew.

“I’m fighting for my justice for my nephew,” Wethered said. “We’re fighting for our nephew. Justice, no wasting time.”

Franz DeFreitas also joined the demonstration in support of the family, saying the circumstances surrounding Shabazz’s death should concern every citizen.

DeFreitas said people experiencing mental health challenges, as well as those who become incarcerated, should not face circumstances that could result in their deaths while in custody.

Rashawn Shabazz’s death has fuelled renewed discussion about the treatment of people with mental health challenges within Antigua and Barbuda’s prison system.

His father has previously said that court orders directing that Rashawn be transferred to Clarevue Psychiatric Hospital were not consistently carried out and that authorities were aware of his mental health struggles before his death.

Thursday’s demonstration comes amid continued calls for changes to the way inmates with mental health challenges are housed, treated and cared for within the country’s correctional system.