Calm urged in key Aborigine trial

By Nick Bryant
BBC News, Sydney

Cameron Doomadgee's death sparked angry protests

An Australian judge has called for calm during the trial of a policeman accused of the manslaughter of an Aboriginal man found dead in his cell in 2004.

The policeman, Sgt Chris Hurley, has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter and assault of Cameron Doomadgee.

The trial has pitted the police against the Aboriginal community of Palm Island, off the coast of Queensland.

The highly charged case is being seen by Aboriginal leaders as a benchmark in justice for their community.

'Political scapegoat'

Cameron Doomadgee, also known as Mulrungi, had been arrested for public drunkenness after verbally abusing the police.

He was found dead in his cell in November 2004. His liver was cleaved in two - the result, it is alleged, of police brutality

The death Palm Island residents to torch not just the police station but the homes of the 14 officers who worked there.

Initially, prosecutors decided there was not sufficient evidence to bring charges.

Afterwards, the case was reviewed by an independent panel and charges brought against Sgt Hurley, who is accused of killing the 36-year-old.

That in turn provoked a backlash from police officers in Queensland, many of whom have threatened industrial action and have taken to wearing blue wristbands in support of their colleague.

They say Sgt Hurley has become a political scapegoat.

This week as the trial got underway, the judge called for calm on all sides and asked everyone to respect and accept the ultimate decision of the court.

Palm Island has long been associated with indigenous people, disadvantage and trouble.

The trial is expected to run for the next two weeks.