Calls for Corbyn, Khan, Abbott to apologise over Kaba comments
Politicians urged to retract statements after Kaba's criminal history revealed
Calls have been made for Jeremy Corbyn, Sadiq Khan, and Diane Abbott to issue apologies after their criticisms of the police following the shooting of Chris Kaba, a known gang member. This week, restrictions on reporting about the 24-year-old’s criminal history were lifted after firearms officer Martyn Blake was acquitted of his murder.
In the aftermath of Kaba’s death in September 2022, several prominent figures demanded ‘justice’ for him, following his fatal shooting while attempting to evade police. Revelations about Kaba’s violent past, including an alleged shooting in a London nightclub shortly before his death, have led to calls for these politicians to retract their statements.
Former Met Police commissioner Lord Stevens stated that some politicians were hasty in condemning the force and drawing parallels between Kaba’s death and that of George Floyd, the African American man killed by a US police officer in 2020. Conservative MP Robert Jenrick accused some politicians of using the shooting to support their existing biases.
Maybe they all ought to keep their gobs shut instead of trying to gain favour. Yes they should apologise to the public. https://t.co/otXYhkuade
— LAP media (@LapMedia) October 24, 2024
After Kaba’s death, former Labour Party leader Mr Corbyn commented, ‘No family should have to endure the pain Chris Kaba’s family has experienced following his killing last week. My thoughts are with them as they seek justice and accountability for his death.’
Labour MP Diane Abbott also placed blame quickly, stating, ‘As Chris Kaba’s tragic fate shows, people can lose their lives while going about their daily activities. It is vital to defend all our fundamental human rights under this dangerous, repressive government.
‘The mainstream media often erases inconvenient truths once they decide on “the story,” and this frequently happens to black people.’
However, Kaba was not merely an ordinary motorist on September 5, 2022. He was one of London’s most feared gang members attempting to flee from police on the day of his demise.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Shooting of Chris Kaba involves police shooting a 24-year-old rapper, Chris Kaba, during a roadblock, with the officer found not guilty, raising concerns about racial bias and accountability in policing.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are calls being made for Jeremy Corbyn, Sadiq Khan, and Diane Abbott to apologize?
They criticized the police after Chris Kaba’s shooting, and new details about his criminal history have emerged.
What restrictions on Chris Kaba’s criminal history were lifted recently?
Restrictions on reporting his criminal history were lifted after officer Martyn Blake was acquitted of his murder.
What did Jeremy Corbyn say after Chris Kaba’s death?
He expressed sympathy for Kaba’s family and called for justice and accountability for his death.
What did Diane Abbott say regarding Chris Kaba’s death?
She emphasized the need to defend fundamental human rights and criticized the media for erasing inconvenient truths.
Why is Kaba’s past significant to the calls for apologies?
Revelations about his violent past and gang involvement have led to calls for retractions of initial statements by politicians.
