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by D. Lee Oliver
Robert Dziekanski
Robert Dziekanski was about to make his first and only trip to
Canada. He had devoured maps and all things about Canada, learning all he could about the country his Mother now lived. He
was finally going to see his Mother Zofia in British Columbia.
Exausted and hungry after the 14 hours of travel from his home town in Poland, he landed at
Vancouver International Airport, only to wait an incredible 10 more hours, pleading for help to find his Mother in this
new foreign land. Unable to speak any english, he was ignored.
Mentally exhausted and distressed, and after many many attempts for help, he made a small commotion.
(The initial claim that he was smashing windows was later disputed). RCMP were called.
Very little communication was initiated by the police, and unable to comprehend the situation,
and scared, Mr. Dziekanski picked up an innocuous stapler. Not even raising it nor threatening in any manner, he
was tasered. Not once, but five times. He was handcuffed and left to die. Police even refused to remove the handcuffs when
ambulance personnel arrived and requested it.
A subsequent inquiry provided some truthful insight, as opposed to the initial reports from
the officers, which were the subject of lies, innuendos and false accusations. Had there never been
someone videotaping this incident, the truth would never have come out in public, hence the inquiry. Very very sad indeed.
My heart goes out to Zofia Dziekanski.
Zofia Dziekanski at the funeral of her son, Robert Dziekanski.
Claudio Castagnetta
Claudio Castagnetta had only been in Quebec City briefly, arriving from Italy to work and go to
school.
For reasons unknown, he was found in a convenience store, barefoot, disoriented, and confused.
Police arrived, and after a brief altercation, he was tasered. He was then handcuffed, and brought to the police station.
In the cell, he acted erratically, singing, making bizarre sounds and vomiting. Officers allegedly ignored his behavior.
After an arrangement hearing the next day, for charges of disorderly conduct and resisting arrest, he was taken back
to a detention centre, where he was seen banging his head against the wall.
He had a helmet placed on his head, transported to hospital and died the next day.
Unsettling and tragic. From the very start, the officers could have shown empathy, and
to have got him the help he so deserved. But no, it was not to be. Another life taken. Very sad indeed for his family
back in Italy.
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