Scots lawyer Aamer Anwar has accused the Scottish Government of disregarding Sheku Bayoh’s family, as reported in the Daily Record. The family of Sheku Bayoh, who tragically died in 2015 after being restrained by police officers in Kirkcaldy, has been pushing for a public inquiry to investigate why the officers involved were not prosecuted. Despite an ongoing Sheku Bayoh Inquiry for the past two years to look into the circumstances leading to his death, it controversially does not include an examination of the Crown Office’s decision not to pursue criminal charges against the police.
Anwar, who represents the Bayoh family, expressed his frustration with Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes for failing to address the demands from various parties to expand the scope of the inquiry. He criticised the justice system as “institutionally racist” and condemned Forbes for ignoring requests for transparency and accountability regarding the Crown Office’s actions. Anwar highlighted the importance of scrutinising the decisions made by the authorities and stressed the need for justice for not just the Bayoh family but for all seeking justice in the country.
The lawyer, known for uncovering miscarriages of justice in Scotland, spoke out about the challenges he faced while supporting the Bayoh family, including facing surveillance, threats, and discrimination based on his race. Anwar emphasised the systemic racism within the criminal justice system and the obstacles he encountered in his pursuit of truth and justice. He pointed out the lack of support and acknowledgment from his peers within the legal profession and called for a more inclusive and fair system.
Anwar’s revelations have garnered support from political leaders like Labour’s Anas Sarwar, Tory’s Russell Findlay, and Lib Dem’s Alex Cole-Hamilton, who have backed the call to expand the inquiry. The possibility of ex-Lord Advocate James Wolffe KC being called to provide further evidence has raised hopes for a more comprehensive investigation into Sheku Bayoh’s case. Wolffe had previously informed the Bayoh family of the decision not to prosecute the officers involved in the incident.
The ongoing struggle for justice in the Sheku Bayoh case underscores broader issues of systemic racism and accountability within the Scottish justice system. Anwar’s efforts to advocate for transparency and fairness in the face of adversity shed light on the challenges faced by those seeking justice in cases of police misconduct. As the call for a public inquiry gains momentum, the spotlight remains on the need for a thorough examination of the events surrounding Sheku Bayoh’s death and the actions taken by the authorities involved.