As an institution promoting friendship and cooperation between Poland and African countries, including Nigeria to a large extent, we are writing to you concerning the death of a Nigerian, Maxwell Itoya shot by a police officer on Sunday, 23 May 2010.

We express deep grief in connection with what happened and we urge a thorough and fair investigation into this matter. We expect a full and sincere commitment by the Polish authorities in clarifying the circumstances of this tragedy, and hope that full responsibility with borne by the offenders.

We are also asking for the public condemnation of every unfair and racist comments in the media. It is deplorable to listen to and read comments, made not only by ordinary citizens, but also by public figures, relating disrespectfully to the tragically deceased, his family and foreigners living in Poland.

We request that the issues raised above be taken seriously.

Yours sincerely,

John Abraham Godson

President of the African Institute Poland

Copies to:

• Donald Tusk, the Prime Minister.
• Jerzy Miller, Minister of Internal Affairs and Administration
• Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, Minister of Justice
• Andrzej Seremet, Attorney General
• Inspector Adam Mularz, Commander of the Metropolitan Police
• Dariusz Korneliuk, District Attorney, Warsaw-Praga, Warsaw
•  Elżbieta Radziszewska, Government Plenipotentiary for Equal Treatment
• Ombudsman’s Office

“How foreigners perceive Lodz” – an invitation for a debate - March 25, 2010

African Institute invites you for a debate on the subject of

“How foreigners perceive Lodz”

It wil be held on the 25th March 2010 at 6.00 p.m in the African Institute’s head office in  Kilińskiego Street 177, Łódź.

Conference moderator: Tomasz Lasota, TVP Lodz

Please confirm your participation by Tuesday March 23, 2010  via Email: instytutafrykanski@ia.org.pl or by telephone: 604474070 (Karina Stasiak, coordinator for the organization of events)

English version