Prince William backs inquiry into deaths of 2011 riot victims
Community leaders have praised the Duke of Cambridge for backing a public inquiry into the deaths of three men who were hit by a car during the 2011 riots. Prince William has visited the father of Haroon Jahan, aged 20, Shazad Ali, aged 30, and Abdul Musavir, aged 31, at a meeting in Perry Barr.
The brothers were tragically killed on Dudley Road, Winson Green in August 2011 whilst trying to protect businesses from being looted. The Duke met the father of the men, Tariq, along with police and community leaders in Perry Barr.
Although eight men were arrested over the deaths of the brothers, they were cleared by a Birmingham Crown Court jury in July 2012.
During the trial Detective Chief Inspector Anthony Tagg was accused of lying on oath about the late reveal of an offer to give eye-witnesses immunity from prosecution. He was cleared by an IPCC report however Detective Inspector Khalid Kiyani was criticised for making the offers of immunity, though he has not received punishment as he has since retired.
CEO of the Balsall Heath Forum community group, Abdullah Rehman, posted pictures of the meeting on social media with the message, “The Prince has given his full support and backing in calling for a public inquiry into the case of the three murdered boys. Three years on we still need answers and ultimately justice.
“It was wonderful to meet Prince William and he was very down to earth and he made us feel at ease with the way he met us.
“He said to Tariq, ‘Never underestimate yourself, the selfless act you did at such a difficult time is worthy of immense praise and I am behind you 100 per cent in your efforts to get justice’.
“He made some really amazing heart warming comments and gave words of encouragement to all of us.
“The Prince showed real compassion to the situation the families found themselves in, and is supporting a public inquiry.”
A spokesperson at Clarence House refused to comment on the meeting but did state the Duke did visit Mr. Jahan privately on each of his last three visits to Birmingham.
