The calling of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry has been met with severe criticism by the bereaved families and survivors of the tragic fire. Many have described it as a “seven-year delay to justice,” expressing their frustration and anger at the slow progress in holding accountable those responsible for the disaster.
Individuals like Karim Khalloufi, who lost his sister in the fire, have voiced their concerns about the inquiry not seeking their input or consent. He emphasized that the delay caused by the inquiry has prevented them from obtaining the justice they so rightfully deserve. The sentiment is echoed by Hisam Choucair, who lost six family members and feels that the inquiry was forced upon them, further delaying the justice he and his family deserve.
The frustration with the slow pace of the inquiry is compounded by the lack of accountability in the criminal justice process. Many individuals are still waiting for criminal prosecutions to be brought against those responsible for the negligence that led to the Grenfell Tower fire. The Metropolitan Police’s promise to go through the report “line by line” offers little solace to the bereaved and survivors who are facing a prolonged wait for potential criminal charges to be filed. The Crown Prosecution Service’s timeline of two more years before decisions on criminal prosecutions are made only adds to the sense of injustice and lack of closure for the victims and their families.
Grenfell survivor Francis Dean expressed his disappointment with the delay in justice, stating that he has not been the same person since the tragic event. He called on the government to uphold the promise of justice that was made to the victims and their families. Another victim’s relative demanded that manslaughter charges be brought forth, emphasizing that nothing less than full accountability through the criminal justice process would be acceptable. The current government is urged to take up the lead in ensuring that justice is served swiftly and effectively for the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire.
The criticism of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry is rooted in the delay of justice and lack of accountability in the criminal justice process. Bereaved families and survivors continue to endure the pain and trauma of the tragic event, exacerbated by the slow progress in holding those responsible accountable. The government’s commitment to ensuring full accountability and swift action in the criminal justice process is imperative to provide closure and justice for the victims and their families.
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