(July 24, 2011, Maribyrnong)- The unexplained death of a young Ethiopian man has reignited claims African youths face police harassment and a battle to belong.
A BEAUTIFUL young woman walks up and solemnly greets a middle-aged man standing outside the African Town restaurant in Footscray.
It's a bitterly cold day but the pair stand still, not wanting to speak. They are only beginning to register the recent event that changed their lives. Elsa Giday, 18, and Betachen Atakelt Seyoum have each lost Michael, Elsa's boyfriend of three years and Seyoum's eldest son.
Michael Atakelt, 22, was found dead in the Maribyrnong River on July 7. The cause of death is not yet known and the coroner's report is not expected to be released for 12 weeks. Victoria Police has yet to announce whether Michael's death is being treated as a homicide.
The young Ethiopian had only lived in Australia for five years and was yet to become a citizen. But he lived here long enough to make an army of friends.
Seyoum and Elsa received a warm welcome when they finally entered the popular Ethiopian restaurant.
Empathy for the grieving father and the young man's girlfriend was palpable. Seyoum's mobile rang non-stop as members of the community called to express sorrow at his loss. Read the full story at The Age »
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It's a bitterly cold day but the pair stand still, not wanting to speak. They are only beginning to register the recent event that changed their lives. Elsa Giday, 18, and Betachen Atakelt Seyoum have each lost Michael, Elsa's boyfriend of three years and Seyoum's eldest son.
Michael Atakelt, 22, was found dead in the Maribyrnong River on July 7. The cause of death is not yet known and the coroner's report is not expected to be released for 12 weeks. Victoria Police has yet to announce whether Michael's death is being treated as a homicide.
The young Ethiopian had only lived in Australia for five years and was yet to become a citizen. But he lived here long enough to make an army of friends.
Seyoum and Elsa received a warm welcome when they finally entered the popular Ethiopian restaurant.
Empathy for the grieving father and the young man's girlfriend was palpable. Seyoum's mobile rang non-stop as members of the community called to express sorrow at his loss. Read the full story at The Age »
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