Youth workers deny claims of racism towards Laa Chol murderer
Youth justice workers have slammed allegations of racism towards the murderer of Laa Chol, and claim the teenager has subjected staff at youth justice centres to violence and intimidation.
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Youth justice workers have disputed claims of racism made in the defence of the teenager who murdered Laa Chol in a city apartment.
They say the allegations are false and that they have endured numerous attacks from the 18-year-old inmate at the Parkville and Malmsbury youth justice centres.
A recent Supreme Court pre-sentence hearing was reportedly told by a teacher who works with detainees that “ the African boys” were the subject of racist collective punishment.
Workers at the facility say that is not true and that their job is difficult enough without incorrect accusations made in support of a boy who has subjected them to violence and intimidation.
The teen stabbed Laa, a popular young law student, through the heart during a party at a short-stay apartment in the EQ Tower.
Those who work in youth justice said they were horrified to read of the racism testimony.
One source said the boy was in no way a victim but was frequently the aggressor against staff and other detainees.
“People were shattered. They felt tarnished. Where’s the evidence?” one source said.
“This is the work you go into. You deal with kids of all ethnic backgrounds and religions. You can’t treat them any differently.”
The teen convicted of the Laa Chol killing, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has a history of assaults on youth justice staff.
“If he doesn’t get his own way, he’s as violent as,” the source said.
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Another worker said staff were regularly the subject of false racism accusations from teens using the tactic to exert power.
“I’ve never seen anyone be smart towards the African kids. There’s banter but you never cross the line,” that officer said.
The youth, who has a long criminal history, will face court next month over a string of violent incidents in detention.
He was last month sentenced to 20 years jail with a minimum of 15 for the murder.
Violence erupted in the Supreme Court between his family and supporters of Ms Chol at the end of proceedings.