5th August 2013

The coroner at the inquest into the death of Jimmy Mubenga has published a comprehensive and highly critical report that makes a series of recommendations to the Home Office and agencies involved.

Jimmy Mubenga, a healthy 46 year old Angolan man, died on 12 October 2010 following face-forward restraint in his seat by three G4S security guards on a British Airways flight from Heathrow airport to Angola. Following eight weeks of evidence, the jury at the inquest into his death ruled that he had been unlawfully killed.

The full report by Assistant Deputy Coroner Karon Monaghan QC can be downloaded here

In response, Deborah Coles, co-director of INQUEST said:

“We welcome this powerful report that highlights the shocking practices revealed in evidence throughout the inquest.

“The blatant evasion of a proper legal framework on accreditation, essentially circumventing the law, is nothing short of scandalous. No wonder racism was rife – the absence of proper structures clearly created a toxic environment where irresponsible behaviour was routinely overlooked.

“Its impact can only be measured by the state’s response to it and the actions that are now taken.”

Mark Scott, partner at Bhatt Murphy solicitors representing Jimmy Mubenga’s family said:

“The inquest into the death of Jimmy Mubenga exposed racism and unlawful practices that were used in deportations. The Coroner’s rule 43 report is designed to prevent further fatalities and needs to be urgently addressed by the Home Office who have ultimate responsibility for the private contractors that they choose to employ.”