Birmingham riot deaths: MP calls for public inquiry

Birmingham MP @ShabanaMahmood says IPCC report into riot deaths is a failure and supports call for a public enquiry; pic.twitter.com/EcH6pKhlHM

— Darshna Soni (@darshnasoni) May 8, 2014

Ms Mahmood has described an IPCC report into the behaviour of West Midlands Police officers as “a failure.”

Ms Mahmood’s request comes after the police watchdog investigated the behaviour of individual officers during the investigation into the high profile deaths. Haroon Jahan, Shazad Ali and Abdul Musavir were run over and killed and there were widespread calls for revenge.

Haroon Jahan’s father Tariq was widely credited with saving his city from a race war, in the immediate aftermath, and he inspired many with his calls for calm. However, he told Channel 4 News that he felt in return he had been given a “slap in the face” by the justice system.

Trial halted

Eight men were charged with the murders, but the judge had to dramatically halt the trial when it emerged West Midlands Police had offered witnesses immunity from prosecution, without disclosing this to the court as required. The judge to order the jury to disregard some of the evidence and the men were all cleared and set free.

The trial judge Mr Justice Flaux accusing DCI Anthony Tagg of lying under oath. However, the IPCC found that although there were failings in the police investigation, DCI Tagg should not face disciplinary procedures.

Ms Mahmood said “It is clear to me that this report is a failure. From the inception of its restricted terms of reference through to its conclusion it serves no one.

“The families of these men are no closer to justice and the West Midlands Police cannot say this report helps them serve our communities better”.

‘Deeply troubling’

The IPCC found that one officer, Detective Inspector Khalid Kiyani, was to blame for offering immunity deals without following the strict legal protocols governing such offers. Bereaved father Mr Jahan told Channel 4 News he felt Mr Kiyani was a convenient scapegoat, as the officer has now retired and so cannot face any disciplinary procedures.

Mr Jahan’s calls for an inquiry have also won the support of the West Midlands police and crime commissioner.

Bob Jones has questioned why the IPCC’s conclusions were “markedly different” to those of the judge and said “serious questions… need to be answered by the courts, CPS and IPCC.” Mr Jones said he would be raising some of these broader questions with the West Midlands Force.

A Home Office spokesperson told Channel 4 News “The IPCC’s conclusions are deeply troubling – it is clear that the professional standards expected of all police officers were not met in this individual case.

“We are aware Mr Jahan’s MP has written to the Home Secretary. Any formal request for a public inquiry will be considered once it is received.”