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Berlin, Germany – 27 November 2024 │A new six-part documentary series, Warum verbrannte Oury Jalloh? (Why Did Oury Jalloh Burn?), premieres today on the ARD Mediathek. The series delves into the controversial and tragic death of Oury Jalloh, an asylum seeker from Sierra Leone, whose mysterious death in police custody, in Dessau on 7 January 2005, has sparked nearly two decades of outrage and debate.
Produced by LOOKSfilm for public broadcasters WDR, SWR, BR and MDR, the documentary revisits the events of that fateful day and raises pressing questions about police conduct, systemic racism and justice in Germany.
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The six episodes feature testimonies from a variety of perspectives, including a police officer who was on duty at the Dessau station on the day of the incident, legal experts, forensic scientists and friends of Jalloh. The series promises to offer new insights while chronicling the relentless fight for accountability led by activists and supporters.
Background: The Case of Oury Jalloh
Oury Jalloh, originally from Sierra Leone, was arrested on 7 January 2005 by police in Dessau, Saxony-Anhalt, for alleged public disturbances. He was taken into custody and placed in Cell No. 5 of the police station, where he was handcuffed and restrained on a fireproof mattress. Hours later, firefighters responding to an emergency call discovered his body burnt beyond recognition.
The official narrative provided by authorities claimed that Jalloh had somehow set himself on fire with a lighter, despite being bound and under constant surveillance. This explanation has been fiercely contested, with critics pointing to inconsistent evidence, overlooked forensic findings and conflicting witness statements.
For many, Jalloh’s death symbolizes institutional racism and the impunity of law enforcement in Germany. Investigations into the case have faced numerous obstacles, including the destruction of evidence, alleged cover-ups and a lack of transparency from police and judicial authorities.
Activists and the Initiative in Memory of Oury Jalloh have tirelessly campaigned for justice, insisting that his death was a result of police violence. Independent experts have raised doubts about the plausibility of the self-immolation theory, citing forensic evidence suggesting the fire was started with accelerants.
A Timely Reflection
The documentary arrives amid growing awareness of racial injustice and calls for accountability in law enforcement. By revisiting the Jalloh case, the series sheds light on broader societal issues, emphasizing the importance of justice and transparency in upholding democratic values.
Warum verbrannte Oury Jalloh? offers an in-depth look at a case that continues to challenge Germany’s legal and moral framework, ensuring that Oury Jalloh’s name and the fight for truth remain in the public consciousness.
➤ More information about the documentary series at: https://looks.film/de/oury-jalloh/
