Wednesday 30 December 2009

Make Up Your Minds, Will You?

An independent inquiry has been launched after an Afghan teenage prisoner committed suicide shortly after his release from police custody.
Yes, you read that right. Not 'during his time in custody'. After his release from custody...
Mohammed Safi was held on suspicion of immigration offences on 30 October.

The 18-year-old was found seven hours after his release in the River Thames at Southwark. He had drowned.
Not sure why the police should be investigated?

Well...
The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) will examine the circumstances around his arrest, questioning and release.

Rachel Cerfontyne, of the IPCC, said: "This is a very sad case where a family has lost a loved one and it is right that an independent investigation is undertaken to see if there was anything police could have done while Mr Safi was in custody to have avoided this outcome."
I suppose they could have not released him? Would anyone have had anything to say about that?

Oh. Right...

3 comments:

banned said...

He was held in custody by the police since 30th October ?

Anonymous said...

He would have been held for the Immigration Service, there's not enough space for these people in the prison service or in immigration service buildings.

The definition of 'Death in police custody' is very broad. See here:
http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/documents/revising-definition2835.pdf?view=Binary

JuliaM said...

Broad! I'll say...