Concern at pace of Nkencho death inquiry
CAMPAIGNERS and supporters of George Nkencho’s family have expressed concerns at the pace of the investigation into his death.
The George Nkencho Coalition criticised the ongoing Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) inquiry, and repeated its calls for an independent public investigation into the tragedy.
Mr Nkencho, 27, died outside his Dublin home in December after being shot multiple times by members of a Garda armed support unit while allegedly brandishing a knife.
He was suffering from mental health issues at the time.
The George Nkencho Coalition, also known as the 30th December Movement, said the ‘needless and violent’ death of Mr Nkencho has shattered the cohesion of the multicultural community.
As the protesters gathered outside Blanchardstown Garda Station yesterday, the speakers included Mr Nkencho’s aunt, Grace Anyanwu, who reissued their call to Justice Minister Helen McEntee to carry out an inquiry into the incident.
A speaker from the group said: ‘As many of us saw in several print and social media accounts in the aftermath of the killing, questions around race and ethnicity, class, equity and inclusion are now being freely expressed as a matter of concern.
‘The indignation felt by our community is further orchestrated by the mental health illness of late George Nkencho and the anguish and trauma his family now experience.
‘We join the Nkencho family to decry the pace of the ongoing investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission.’
The speaker said ‘the family and community is hurting very badly and only justice can mitigate the present feeling of despondency, adding: ‘We expect that the prosecution process would be transparent, thorough and fair. As a universal practice, we also believe that the officers involved in the fatal shooting should be suspended from normal duty until the investigation is complete.
‘This would engender more confidence in the investigation process.’
The group said Mr Nkencho’s death has ‘shown a dark side’ of the community and claimed that the tragedy has been exploited by racists, fascists and far-right elements to ‘whip up negative sentiments’ in communities.