Four other senior officers, including Commander Cressida Dick, who authorized the use of the shoot-to-kill policy on the day, must await the completion of the separate criminal legal proceedings relating to Health & Safety breaches before any decision will be made about disciplinary action.
The family of Jean Charles today branded the decision a 'travesty of justice' and described themselves as bitterly angry and disappointed.
Patricia da Silva Armani, cousin of Jean Charles de Menezes, who lived with him at the time of his death said:
"I cannot believe the police have been able to get away with this. It is disgraceful the IPCC can make such a decision – they are letting the police get away with murder. First officials killed my cousin, then they lied about it and now the officers are walking away without any punishment. It is a travesty of justice and another slap in the face for our family. The police officers lives go on as normal while exist in turmoil, fighting to get the answers and justice we deserve"
A spokesperson from the Justice4Jean Campaign today said:
"We query the decision to clear part of a police operational team who were all responsible for the shooting an innocent man before full legal proceedings have taken place.
This is entirely premature and worse still may potentially prejudice any future criminal proceedings. This sends out the signal that no action against officers will ever be taken in this case, which is devastating for the family.
There are still many unanswered questions about the police handling of this case. Today's decision effectively says police officers can act above the law, free to take human life without facing a full legal investigation like anyone else."
Comments
Display the following 2 comments