The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has provided updates on the investigations it has conducted since the mass protests in June 2024.
This follows a BBC exposé that highlighted the protests against the Finance Bill 2024 and emphasized the importance of police accountability.
In the aftermath of the protests, which involved clashes between the police and demonstrators, the IPOA has shared the actions taken to seek justice for the victims.
According to the IPOA, out of the 60 death cases registered, the authority has completed 22 investigations, and is actively pursuing 36.
Additionally, the authority confirmed that two cases are currently before the courts.
“Of the completed investigations, 8 are under final internal review, 4 are in the final stages of report writing before submission to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for independent review, 2 were closed internally, 4 have been forwarded to the ODPP for review, and 3 were closed following ODPP directives,” the statement read.
Additionally, IPOA is investigating 191 cases out of the 233 injuries recorded during the demonstrations.
So far, 42 injury cases have been closed, and two have been referred to the ODPP.
“Separately, the authority recorded 233 injury cases during the demonstrations, with 191 currently under active investigations. Of the remaining cases, 42 were closed internally, while 2 were forwarded to the ODPP,” the statement added.
However, IPOA has encountered challenges in conducting investigations due to a lack of cooperation from both the police and witnesses. The authority has pledged to engage with the police command to ensure justice is achieved.
“The Authority also observed instances of non-cooperation from both police officers and witnesses, which has hampered the progress of some investigation. Nevertheless, the Board is actively engaging the police command to address this challenge and ensure justice for all victims,” the statement further read.
IPOA emphasized that each case is being treated individually, and pledged to recommend appropriate action whenever culpability is established.
“On a case-by-case basis, if culpability is found, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to the relevant state agencies and update the public on its findings upon conclusion of its investigations,” the statement concluded.
