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Family of Steve Biko to Oppose Amnesty Bid by South African Police Seeking Absolution for His Murder

HeadlineFeb 10, 1997

The family of murdered anti-apartheid icon Steve Biko in South Africa said today it is preparing to take legal action to oppose an amnesty bid by five South African policemen seeking absolution for his death. In the first comment by the family since the policemen applied for amnesty at the end of January, Biko’s son said the family met with friends and advisers yesterday to agree on a response to the policemen’s confession. He said in a statement, “The family has been and remains opposed to any application for amnesty from persons who were responsible, individually or in conspiracy, for the killing of Steve Biko.” Steve Biko was immortalized in the film “Cry Freedom.” He died of brain damage in police detention in 1977. It has now come out in the last few days that it’s possible that it was poison that he was administered in addition to a beating.

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