12/12/2008

Open Verdict In De Menezes Case

A jury has returned an open verdict at an inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, the man mistakenly shot by counter terrorism police in London over three years ago.

Mr de Menezes was shot by two officers while sitting on an underground train. Police had mistakenly identified the man as a suicide bomber.

His family today said an open verdict was the best they could have hoped for, after an unlawful killing verdict was ruled out.

Only two options remained for the jury, a lawfully killing verdict or an open verdict. The 10 jurors returned the latter.

The Metropolitan Police said Mr de Menezes's death had been a tragic mistake.

Most controversially, the majority of the jury said they believed officers had not shouted "armed police" at Mr de Menezes prior to shooting him several times.

They also rejected that Mr de Menezes' innocent behaviour had increased suspicions.

Acting Met Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson today accepted full responsibility for the man's death, which he described as a "most terrible mistake" that he "deeply regretted".

"He was an innocent man and we must accept full responsibility for his death," said Sir Paul.

The inquest was presided over by Coroner Sir Michael Wright for three months at the Oval Cricket Ground in London.

Sir Michael had previously said the facts did not justify allowing the jury to consider an unlawful killing.

(PR)

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22 September 2008
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An inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes has been launched in London. Mr de Menezes was fatally shot by police in 2005 after he was mistakenly identified as a suicide bomber. The Brazilian electrician was fired-upon while boarding an underground train in the capital. He took several deadly shots to the head.
16 October 2012
Attorney General Applies To Have Original Hillsborough Verdict Quashed
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23 November 2009
De Menezes Litigation 'Settled'
It has just been revealed that all litigation arising out of the tragic death of Jean Charles de Menezes has been resolved. The Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis and representatives of the de Menezes family said this afternoon that all litigation matters are agreed as settled.
22 October 2007
Police In 'Dock' Over Menezes Killing
The police chief in charge of the officers who killed Jean Charles de Menezes has denied giving the order to shoot the innocent Brazilian. Officers mistook him for would-be suicide bomber Hussain Osman, codenamed Nettletip.