Families of the Hillsborough disaster victims have criticized the senior officers responsible, stating that they wrongfully caused the deaths of 97 individuals and then shifted blame onto others, calling it a deplorable act.
During a joint press briefing, Margaret Aspinall, Charlotte Hennessy, Steve Kelly, and Sue Roberts expressed their frustration over the lack of transparency from the South Yorkshire Police following the 1989 FA Cup semi-final tragedy at Sheffield Wednesday’s stadium.
On April 15, 1989, a crush of Liverpool supporters occurred while they were attending a match against Nottingham Forest, caused by a gate being opened to ease congestion outside the stadium. The police’s failure to guide fans away from the overcrowded central pens led to the fatal incident.
Despite initial claims by the South Yorkshire Police that blamed unruly behavior by Liverpool supporters, subsequent investigations have debunked these allegations after years of advocacy by the families affected.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) determined that 12 police officers could have faced severe misconduct charges, although no disciplinary actions will be taken due to legal constraints at the time. The families’ attorney, Nicola Brook, highlighted the lack of accountability despite the IOPC’s recent findings.
After a prolonged wait of 36 years for the conclusions, families lamented the loss of loved ones who never got to witness the truth being revealed through official investigations and fresh inquests.
Charlotte Hennessy commended the courage of Liverpool fans and criticized the unfair blame placed on them by the very authorities meant to protect them, asserting that the IOPC report merely validated what they had known all along.
The families demanded a change in the handling of police misconduct cases to ensure justice and accountability, emphasizing the need for timely resolutions and reforms within the system.
While acknowledging their frustration, the families took solace in the identification of officers involved in misconduct but expressed disappointment at the lack of criminal accountability for the tragic events at Hillsborough.
Their focus now shifts towards advocating for the Hillsborough Law currently under parliamentary review, with a determination to see it through to fruition for the sake of all those affected by the disaster.
Charlotte urged for the removal of former South Yorkshire Police Chief Superintendent Sir Norman Bettison’s knighthood and Queen’s Policing Medal, citing his misleading statements and dishonesty related to the Hillsborough incident.
The families reiterated their commitment to seeking justice and holding accountable those responsible for the Hillsborough tragedy, emphasizing the importance of continued efforts to ensure transparency and fairness in such cases.