theguardian.com
2005 Police Shooting: Officer's Justification
A police officer who shot and killed an innocent man in 2005 speaks out, claiming he acted to prevent a bomb threat. The incident highlights the failures of intelligence and the legal ramifications that followed.
English
United Kingdom
Human Rights ViolationsUkInvestigationAccountabilityPolice BrutalityLaw EnforcementMiscarriage Of Justice
Metropolitan PoliceChannel 4
Jean Charles De MenezesC12Cressida Dick
- Why was Jean Charles de Menezes shot?
- Jean Charles de Menezes was shot dead by Metropolitan Police officers in 2005 after being mistakenly identified as a terrorist suspect. The officers involved believed they were authorized to use lethal force to prevent a potential bomb detonation.
- What was the outcome of the inquest into De Menezes's death?
- The inquest jury rejected the police's claim that De Menezes was lawfully killed, finding the evidence presented insufficient to justify the shooting. The Met Police offered a formal apology to De Menezes's family.
- What was Officer C12's justification for shooting De Menezes?
- Officer C12, in his first media interview, stated he feared for his life and the lives of his colleagues, believing De Menezes was about to detonate a bomb. He said he acted within 10 seconds of seeing the suspect.
- What were the legal consequences for the Metropolitan Police following the shooting?
- The Metropolitan Police were found guilty of breaching health and safety laws related to the shooting and were fined accordingly. Cressida Dick, the commander of the operation, later became Met Commissioner.
- What are the key conflicting accounts surrounding the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes?
- C12's account of the event emphasizes his belief in an immediate threat, while witness testimonies and the inquest jury's verdict contradict key aspects of his narrative, highlighting the conflicting perspectives and lack of clear evidence surrounding the incident.