POLICE OFFICER FACING MISCONDUCT CHARGES HAS BEEN ACQUITTED

A 34 year old Police officer, charged with using excessive force during the arrest of Babar Ahmad on 2 nd December 2003 , has been acquitted at an internal Police Misconduct Tribunal held behind closed doors over three days at Woolwich Crown Court. The tribunal concluded on Wednesday 13/04/05 in the presence of a panel of three senior police officers.

Having heard evidence from Mr Babar Ahmad, his wife and five of the Police officers concerned, the panel concluded:

“We are satisfied that there is no case to answer. In fact, the Officer acted professionally with great bravery. We support his actions: he should be commended and not castigated.”

Mr Ahmad's family have said that they were not surprised with the decision, as they did not expect Police officers to find one of their colleagues guilty in the first place. There were many holes in the investigation and the Police openly changed their version of events four times. The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) failed to investigate the matter fairly and thoroughly. The IPCC also did not address the many concerns about the initial investigation raised by Babar and his wife.

The fact remains however, that the Police have still failed to explain how Babar received 55 photographed injuries. We will continue to ask the Home Office to launch an independent enquiry into this matter.

The conclusion of the tribunal only adds to the feeling already experienced by the British Muslim community that the Police are targeting the Muslim community and, as illustrated in this case, even commended for it.

This issue will not go away until justice is done and seen to be done. Babar Ahmad and his family will continue in their fight for justice until all the police officers who inflicted life-threatening injuries upon Babar are formally tried and prosecuted.

Family of Babar Ahmad

Wednesday 13 th April 2005

Links:

Babar Ahmad and his wife's reply to IPCC report

http://www.freebabarahmad.com/press18.php

Original report by IPCC

http://www.freebabarahmad.com/press17.php

24-Jan-2004 : Inquiry into arrest of Muslim suspect

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,1130085,00.html  

18-Jun-2004 : ‘Fired Up like They'd Caught Bin Laden'

http://www.wb-news.co.uk/search/display.var.501178.0.fired_up_like_theyd_caught_bin_laden.php