Eastbourne holds candlelight vigil to remember Sabina Nessa
The man suspected of murdering the school teacher is from the East Sussex town
Last updated 5th Oct 2021
Hundreds have gathered in Eastbourne tonight (5 October) to pay their respects to Sabina Nessa, a school teacher who was murdered in London last month.
The vigil, held by the pier, saw organisers as well as men and women in the crowd stand up to make speeches, light candles and say prayers.
Sue Waterhouse was one of the people to speak at the vigil. She had previously worked on a strategy to end violence against women and girls for the Home Office.
She said: "It's really sad that 10/20 years on we're still here, still talking about it and people are hearing the statistics and are still shocked by it.
"There's lots of talk in the media today, it does feel like the priority is raising but we're not going to get there overnight. We need to make sure the focus stays on it and everyone needs to work towards taking responsibility.
"It's about calling people out when you witness something that's not acceptable, and it's about recognising your language.
The vigil comes amid continuing worries surrounding women's safety following the deaths of both Sabina Nessa and Sarah Everard earlier this year.
Koci Selamaj, 36, from the East Sussex town has been charged with 28-year-old Sabina's murder after being arrested late last month.
He has suggested he will deny the murder charge and has been remanded in custody until a plea hearing on 16 December.