The Killing of Jean Charles de Menezes

from j4J, 19 February 2009: "The decision is deeply upsetting to my family. The CPS have not met with us or our lawyers about this, we have been totally shut out of the process again. We are all in shock and simply cannot understand how the deliberate killing of an innocent man and an attempt by the Metropolitan police to cover it up does not result in a criminal offence. We condemn the CPS decision and reject the logic of their argument..." more

from various sources, 12 December 2008: The jury at the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes today rejected Scotland Yard's claim that he was lawfully killed as part of an anti-terrorism operation. Banned by the coroner, Sir Michael Wright, from returning a verdict of unlawful killing, the five men and five women decided on an open verdict – the most critical that was available to them. In a series of answers to a list of crucial questions, they dismissed the testimony of the senior firearms officer who shot De Menezes – suggesting they did not believe the officer was acting in self-defence.. more

from jfj, 14 November 2008: The Menezes family responded with 'dismay' to evidence heard during the final day of evidence at the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes. Evidence given by DI Kevin Southworth, an SO13 anti-terror branch officer, revealed that police had significant intelligence about Hussain Osman prior to the 22nd of July 2005 including a report of suspicions by a member of a local mosque. He also revealed that further photographs of Osman were available - but there were delays in obtaining them because the police were using an office-hours only contact in the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA). more

from bbc, 28 October 2008: Marksman from Scotland Yard's elite CO19 specialist firearms unit speaks publicly about shooting for first time. One of the police marksmen who killed Jean Charles de Menezes told an inquest today of his frustration at the lack of contact with his superiors as he prepared to intercept the young Brazilian. more

from email, 14 October 2008: The family of Jean Charles de Menezes were sickened to discover further cover up by police officers surrounding his death during today's evidence given at the inquest into Jean Charles' death. An officer, known only as 'Owen' due to being successfully granted anonymity for the inquest, admitted to deleting a section of notes which would have been potentially vital evidence to any investigative proceedings. more

from email, updated 7 October 2008: The family of Jean Charles attended the inquest on Monday 6 0ctober. On 22nd July 2005, Jean Charles de Menezes, an innocent member of the public, was killed by Metropolitan police officers in a grotesque and very public fashion. No one has been held accountable for his death. On Monday 22 September 2008, as the inquest into his death opens, Jean’s family will finally get the opportunity to examine key evidence about how he was killed in a public court and for the first time. The inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes begins on Monday at 10.30am at Surrey County Cricket Club, The Brit Oval, Kennington, London, SE11 5SS. more

from the AP newswire, 2 November: "London's police force was found guilty Thursday of endangering the public during a frantic manhunt for four failed suicide bombers that led to the killing of an innocent Brazilian man on a subway train..." more

Articles from the newswires on the killing of Jean Charles De Menezes in 2005 at Stockwell tube station by London police who had mistaken him for suicide bomber.
Keywords: Menezes, Stockwell.  more

UPDATE 16 October 2007: Menezes' picture 'was manipulated' +++ 2 October 2007: LONDON: The Metropolitan police went on trial yesterday [01 October 2007] for health and safety failings surrounding the shooting of Jean Charles de Menezes.

"As the armed officers entered the train Jean Charles stood up. He was grabbed by a surveillance officer, 'Ivor', and pushed back in his seat. Two firearms officers, who I will refer to as C2 and C12, leaned over 'Ivor' and placed their Glock 9mm pistols against Jean Charles's head and fired... He was shot seven times in the head and died immediately." more