SHEKU BAYOH FAMILY PRESS STATEMENT

SHEKU BAYOH FAMILY PRESS STATEMENT.



Press Statement by Aamer Anwar on behalf of the Sheku Bayoh family (Kadijatu Johnson and Adie Johnson)



Following the meeting with the Chief Constable and also today’s ruling by Chair of the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry on a request for undertakings from the Solicitor General and Chief Constable

The Bayoh family were bitterly disappointed by the decision of Lord Bracadale today on the request for undertakings from the Crown Office and Police Scotland.


Lord Bracadale has today requested that the Solicitor General give an undertaking that in any future prosecution of police officers or former officers, arising out of the death of Sheku Bayoh on 3 May 2015 and the post-incident management, she will not use against that officer, evidence which that officer has provided to the Public Inquiry.


In addition, Lord Bracadale has requested the Deputy Chief Constable give an undertaking that in any future disciplinary proceedings against an individual serving officer arising out of the death of Sheku Bayoh, that she will not seek to rely on evidence given to the Inquiry by that officer.

The decisions on those undertakings now lie in the hands of the Solicitor General and Police Scotland.



Lord Bracadale states he is satisfied that in the absence of undertakings officers and former officers would be highly likely to exercise their right against self-incrimination and would not give full, frank and uninhibited evidence to the Inquiry.

Despite what is stated by Lord Bracadale the family completely understand what is sought by those acting for the police officers and they say this as a demand for a convoluted form of immunity.

The family welcomed the meeting this afternoon with the Chief Constable Iain Livingstone and Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor.



The Bayoh family reiterated their position on police officers being granted undertakings



The family were grateful to the Chief Constable for meeting with them again and his commitment to supporting all those who have been affected by Sheku Bayoh’s death throughout this time.


Once again the Chief Constable expressed his sincere personal condolences to the family, and those of the service.


Importantly he undertook that Police Scotland will participate fully in the Public Inquiry in an open and transparent manner.


He reiterated that “it is vital that the role and independence of the Public Inquiry is respected to ensure the application of the rule of law, due process, and justice being served.”


He has previously said



“Like many people in Scotland, indeed across the world, I am shocked and distressed at the dreadful death of George Floyd and the subsequent events in the United States. Racism in all its forms is disgraceful and unacceptable.


Those events do not reflect our style of policing in Scotland and we continue to value the strong bond of trust with all our citizens and communities.