Victims sue South African government over 1961 Sharpeville massacre that left 91 dead
Claim relating to infamous apartheid-era shooting of protesters part of wave of litigation for apartheid-era crimes
TL;DR
- Survivors and relatives of the 1960 Sharpeville massacre are suing the South African government for compensation.
- The massacre, organized by the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), resulted in at least 91 deaths and 238 injuries.
- The lawsuit is part of a wave of litigation demanding justice for apartheid-era crimes.
- A 1961 law indemnifies the government for actions taken during the suppression of internal disorder, which claimants are challenging as unconstitutional.
- The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) previously awarded some compensation, but victims argue it was insufficient.