New IPCC report finds previous investigations were “significantly flawed”
On the heels of the Independent Police Complaints Commission’s report on the unlawful killing of Christopher Alder, a black former paratrooper who died in custody in Hull Police Station in 1998, Liberty announced it will seek justice for his family in the European Court of Human Rights. No one has yet been held accountable for his death.
Liberty’s legal officer Alex Gask said:
“Despite the IPCC report’s welcome criticisms, it does nothing to hold the police accountable.
Since the damning CCTV footage and tireless eight-year campaign by his family have not yet brought justice for Christopher Alder, we will take his case to the European Court.
The police apology will not remove the scourge of racism and neglect in this case.”
In 2004, the-then Home Secretary David Blunkett requested the IPCC investigate Alder’s death. Five Humberside police officers were cleared of manslaughter and misconduct charges in 2002.
Contact: Jen Corlew on 0207 378 3656 or 0797 3 831 128
NOTES TO EDITORS1. The Independent Police Complaints Commission made public its investigation into Christopher Alder’s death on 27 March 2006. For more information go to
www.ipcc.gov.uk2. Liberty supports the Alder family’s request for a full public inquiry into Christopher Alder’s death.
