Peter O'Brien, our Principal Solicitor, comments on the Queensland watch house footage: "This is disgusting and vile treatment of vulnerable children, of the likes royal commissions in the past have strenuously criticised and condemned. And yet it is repeated and supported by Queensland police and its parliament. Every parliamentarian in Queensland who is not speaking out and acting to stop this brutalization of children should hang their head in shame."
– Peter O'Brien, Principal Solicitor of O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors.
Footage of children in a watch house in Queensland
Recently, shocking footage has emerged from a watch house in Queensland. The video depicts the appalling treatment of detained children in the watch house. Recently, reports also emerged that a 13 year-old was sexually assaulted in a watch house.
Unsurprisingly, the footage has garnered widespread condemnation. Basically, the video shows disturbing scenes of children being mistreated by police officers. The footage has reignited the debate on the treatment of vulnerable youths in the criminal justice system. Additionally, it has drawn comparisons to past abuses that were heavily criticized by royal commissions.
The video, released on July 17, 2024, reveals multiple instances of children being subjected to harsh and inhumane treatment. Additionally, public outcry has been significant, with many calling for immediate action to address and rectify these systemic issues. As a result, the Queensland police and parliament have come under intense scrutiny for their role in perpetuating such treatment.
Read our Case Studies on actions against the state for mistreatment, child sexual abuse and more.
Peter O'Brien responds to Queensland watch house
Peter O'Brien, Principal Solicitor of O'Brien Criminal & Civil Solicitors, has strongly condemned the actions depicted in the footage.
Peter emphasizes that the behavior seen in the video is not only unacceptable. However, he has also highlighted a failure to learn from past mistakes that royal commissions have previously condemned. He asserts that every member of the Queensland parliament who fails to speak out and take action against this brutality should be ashamed.
The incident has prompted calls for comprehensive reforms within the youth justice system. In order to help ensure the protection and fair treatment of all children. Legal professionals and human rights advocates are urging for transparency, accountability, and immediate measures. We need to prevent such abuses from occurring in the future.
Rights for children in Queensland watch houses
At O'Brien Solicitors, we stand firmly against any form of mistreatment, especially against the most vulnerable. The recent events in Queensland are a stark reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance and reform in the justice system.