Grenfell survivors condemn seven-year delay to justice

Bereaved families criticise inquiry's prolonged delay and demand accountability

Sam Nislan10 hours ago

56 2 minutes read

Relatives of the deceased and people directly affected by the Grenfell Tower fire react to the final report into the fire being released in London, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024. The report on the fire in which 72 people were killed in June 2017, says decades of failure by government and industry made the high-rise a "death trap". (AP Photo/Frank Augstein). — Image Courtesy of Associated Press.

Bereaved families and survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire have criticised the inquiry into the disaster, labelling it a “seven-year delay to justice.” Their comments followed the publication of the inquiry report, which condemned government, building companies, contractors, fire safety experts, and council staff for their roles in the tragedy seven years ago.

Karim Khalloufi, who lost his sister Khadija in the fire that claimed 72 lives, expressed frustration, saying, “No one has asked me if I wanted this inquiry.” Khalloufi, speaking at a briefing for next of kin, stated the inquiry had delayed the justice owed to him and other bereaved families. “Maybe I will die without having justice,” he added.

Hisam Choucair, who lost six family members, said the inquiry was “forced on us,” delaying the justice his family deserves. Choucair, who lost his mother, sister, her husband, and their three daughters, found it painful to see witnesses “laugh” while giving evidence during the inquiry.

Hisam Choucair, who lost six family members, his mother, sister, brother-in-law and three nieces, speaks during a press conference consisting of the immediate families of 34 of the 72 people killed in the Grenfell Tower Fire in 2017, in London, Wednesday, Sept. 4, 2024, following the publication of the final report published by the long-running Grenfell Tower Inquiry. (Yui Mok/PA via AP). — Image Courtesy of PA via Associated Press.

Grenfell survivor Francis Dean also criticised the “seven-year delay to justice” and expressed hope that the current government would fulfil promises made by the government at the time of the fire. “Since that night I’ve not been the same person, I’m messed up,” Dean said.

Another relative demanded manslaughter charges, stating that “nothing else will do.” The Metropolitan Police has pledged to scrutinise the report thoroughly, but the bereaved and survivors face a prolonged wait to learn if any criminal charges will be brought.

Former Prime Minister Theresa May, left and community volunteer Claire Walker speak before the Grenfell fire memorial service at Westminster Abbey, in remembrance of those who died in the Grenfell Tower fire in 2018, in London, Tuesday, June 14, 2022. (Jonathan Brady/Pool via AP, File). — Image Courtesy of PA via Associated Press.

The Crown Prosecution Service indicated that decisions on potential criminal prosecutions are not expected for another two years. The prime minister emphasised the need for “full accountability” through the criminal justice process, urging that it occurs as swiftly as possible.

Sir Martin Moore-Bick, the chair of the inquiry, stated, “The simple truth is that the deaths were all avoidable, and those who lived in the tower were badly failed over a number of years and in multiple ways by those responsible for ensuring the safety of the building and its occupants.”

What Other Media Are Saying

The Guardian reports on the reactions of Grenfell Tower survivors and bereaved families as they express frustration and disappointment over the delayed justice and the perceived lack of accountability from those responsible for the 2017 tragedy.(read more)
LBC reports that survivors of the Grenfell Tower fire criticize the “seven-year delay to justice” as they await criminal prosecutions, while the final inquiry report highlights “systemic dishonesty” and “decades of failure” by government and construction firms.(read more)
The Guardian reports that the Grenfell Tower inquiry has been delayed, with bereaved families expressing frustration over the lack of justice and accountability for those responsible for the tragic fire.(read more)