Grenfell Tower families criticise investigations as ‘delaying justice’

On 15 June 2017, then Prime Minister Theresa May announced a public inquiry into the fire that had broken out the previous day.

“Nobody asked me if I wanted this investigation,” said Karim Khalloufi, whose sister Khadija was among the 72 dead.

Speaking at an event at London’s Royal Lancaster hotel, Mr Kahlloufi said the investigation had delayed justice for him and other bereaved families.

“Maybe I will die without getting justice,” he added at a press conference with members of a group supporting the relatives of some of those killed.

A minute’s silence was observed before the press conference began, and during the course of the event some speakers became visibly emotional.

Hisam Choucair, who lost six family members, echoed Mr Khalloufi’s sentiments.

He thanked the Grenfell inquiry for its findings but said it had prevented prosecution.

“This investigation has been forced upon us,” he said, adding: “It delays the justice my family deserves.”

Mr Choucair, who lost his mother, his sister and her husband, and their three daughters, said it was “burning inside me to see witnesses laughing” as they gave evidence at the inquiry.

Grenfell survivor Francis Dean also criticised the “seven-year delay in justice” while he and others wait for prosecutions to be brought.

“Since that night I’m not the same person, I’m confused,” he said.

“The government of that time promised us justice. I hope that the current government can take the lead.”

A relative of another victim said at the event that he wanted to press charges of manslaughter, adding: “There is no other way.”

The Metropolitan Police have pledged to go through the report line by line, but the bereaved and survivors will have to wait a long time to find out whether charges will be brought.

The public prosecutor’s office said that decisions on possible prosecutions were not expected for two years.

The Prime Minister said it was “imperative that the incidents are fully accounted for,” “including by law enforcement, and that this happens as quickly as possible.”