Press releases

No justice as police exonerated again

22nd July 2010

Ian Tomlinson died at the G20 protests on 1st April 2009. Today is also the 5th anniversary of the shooting by armed officers of Jean-Charles de Menezes. It has taken the CPS nearly a year to publish this report; their reasons are that it’s a “difficult and complex case”... Understandably the family of Ian Tomlinson was greatly concerned by the lengthy investigation fearing a cover-up and the impact this whole process has had on their lives. In April 2010, John McDonnell and leading civil liberties campaigners, MEPs and trade unionists wrote a letter to the Guardian to express their “growing concerns” about the investigation.

Today’s announcement illustrates that the police are a law unto themselves. Ian Tomlinson died in an unprovoked savage attack exposed on video yet that is not enough for the CPS to seek prosecution. Where is the justice for Ian Tomlinson’s family - who have described the decision as a “disgrace”?

John McDonnell MP, LRC Chair, said:

“Given the stark nature of the video evidence it is hard to understand the CPS’s findings. An independent public inquiry is warranted.”

Andrew Fisher, LRC joint secretary, said:

“Today’s incomprehensible decision is a stark reminder - on the fifth anniversary of the murder of Jean Charles de Menezes - that too often the police are placed above the law. The campaign for justice for Ian Tomlinson will continue, just as it has for Jean Charles de Menezes and for Blair Peach - and the LRC will continue to support these campaigns.”

Messages of solidarity and support to the Tomlinson family can be sent to this email: (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

For more information see the harpymarx blog and the Inquest website.