IPOA gives update on investigations after BBC expose

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. 

Of the 60 reported deaths, 22 investigations have been completed.

 The authority is currently pursuing 36 active cases, while two others are in court.

IPOA further detailed that among the completed investigations, eight are undergoing final internal review, with four in the last stages of report writing. 

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Comprehensive reports were submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution (ODPP) for independent assessment. After their review, the ODPP closed three of these cases.

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.

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. 

“On a case-by-case basis, if culpability is found, IPOA will make appropriate recommendations to the relevant state agencies and will update the public on its findings upon conclusion of its investigations,” stated IPOA.