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Our Story: Axmed Abuukar Sheekh

Axmed Abuukar Sheekh

BBC Radio Scotland - Our Story, Axmed Abuukar Sheekh

Mark Stephen hears the stories of Scotland's distinctive past.

In 1989 a young Somali man was stabbed to death on the Cowgate in Edinburgh. Mark Stephen hears how this galvanised Scotland's black community to challenge racism and seek justice.

On 16th January 1989 a young Somali man was racially abused, assaulted and stabbed to death on the Cowgate in Edinburgh.  

His name was Axmed Abuukar Sheekh. He was 28 years old, a student and refugee.

At the time, Scotland was thought to be in a state of denial about racism. People said "it didn't happen here" and called it "the English disease."

Mark Stephen hears from members of the Lothian Black Forum, friends and supporters who stood up against racism and fought for justice for Axmed and his family.

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