The family of a Brazilian man mistakenly shot dead by British police after bombing attacks on London's transport system have arrived in London demanding justice.
Electrician Jean Charles de Menezes (27), was gunned down on July 22nd on an underground train in south London by officers who feared he was carrying a bomb.
The shooting occurred the day after four bombers failed in a bid to blow up three Underground trains and a bus, and two weeks after suicide bombers killed 52 people in an identical plot.
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| Maria Otone de Menezes arriving in London. Reuters/Stephen Hird |
"I came here to look for justice," said Mr de Menezes's mother, Maria Otone de Menezes, who wept as she arrived with five other family members. The family, whose trip has been paid for by London police, said they hoped to meet senior officers involved in the case.
The electrician was shot eight times at point blank range in Stockwell station after being tailed by police who mistook him for one of those responsible for the second botched bombings. Officers later apologised and acknowledged it was a mistake.
The shooting, and the way it was handled, brought deep embarrassment for London police and its chief, Sir Ian Blair, who had been lauded for their investigations into the attacks.
Initial reports from police and witnesses said Mr de Menezes had been wearing a bulky jacket, had vaulted a ticket barrier and run away when challenged by officers.
Maria Otone de Menezes
But leaked details of an initial report by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) cast serious doubt on the claims and provoked an angry response from Mr de Menezes's family who accused the police of lying.
Sir Ian admitted the aftermath of the shooting had been mishandled but denied police had tried to mislead the family. Brazil sent a team of investigators to meet detectives and the IPCC after which the ambassador to London said he had seen no evidence there had been a cover-up.
The family are due to visit Stockwell station and will meet with members of the IPCC.