Police violence in the US against the black community must end

Our readers have their say on police violence that led to the death of Daunte Wright, iftar cannons and initiatives to end hunger

Flowers are laid on a sign as protesters rally outside the Brooklyn Center Police Department, days after Daunte Wright was shot and killed by a police officer, in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, U.S. April 13, 2021. REUTERS/Leah Millis

Flowers laid on a sign as protesters rally outside the Brooklyn Centre Police Department, days after Daunte Wright was shot and killed by a police officer, in Minnesota, US, April 13. Reuters

I am writing to you with regard to the article Police claim Minnesota officer meant to draw Taser in fatal shooting of Daunte Wright (April 12): you reported the fatal shooting of Daunte Wright, claimed to be an "accidental discharge" by an officer who drew her gun during a struggle instead of her Taser.

This is an infuriating case because a series of similar accidents have repeatedly occurred throughout the US against the African-American community. This form of systemic bias happens on a daily basis and courts do not hold law enforcement officials accountable for their conduct.

As a student of public health, I believe that courts and law enforcement agencies in the US must recognise the need for reform and the elimination of institutional bias. Police brutality is a public health crisis and we are rightly demanding an end to racial discrimination by certain police officers and a culture of structural racism that harms people of colour disproportionately.

I am outraged in observing how a web of violence has occurred across multiple states and counties yet police officers continue to instil fear in black communities. Far too many "unintended" and "unethical" deaths of people have gone unanswered by authorities, who have failed to apprehend or discipline the abusers. It is inexcusable that after the death of a black victim by a police officer, it is claimed that the discharge was unintentional. Why are black victims only unintentional discharge victims? It appears police instinctively equate blackness with threat or violence and this prompts them to use more force than they would in similar cases involving white people.Muqadas Ebadi, California, US

Iftar cannon brings back memories of the UAE

With reference to Nilanjana Gupta's piece Journey of Dubai's Ramadan cannon that signals iftar for thousands of people (April 13): it is not time for Iftar until I hear the canon. It made me smile yesterday when I heard it.

Renee van Otterdijk, Dubai

This piece really brought back old memories of Dubai, thank you.

Muhammed Kumail R, Islamabad, Pakistan

More such initiatives needed to end hunger

With regard to Patrick Ryan's piece UAE embassy dishes out food packages in Islamabad (April 13): Seeing some of these pictures makes me so sad. Initiatives like these are so important to make sure no one goes hungry.

Elize van Wyk, Dubai