hmmmmm
originally, it was reported that de menezes was here illegally, and ran from the police because he was an illegal alien. if this is true, although obviously he did not deserve to die, there has to be some degree of contributory negligence for his behaviour, especially in the light of the previous day's bombings.

however, now they appear to be saying that he was here legally, because although he had overstayed his visa by about 2 years, he had re-entered england via ireland, therefore giving himself a further 3 month period. also that he did not run away from the police, but was merely picked off, once in the carriage.

what is true, is that the reports are very mixed and the truth needs to be ironed out. it's a very tragic story, but i do believe the police were doing the best job they could under horrendously difficult circumstances, and that they genuinely believed he was a threat to the public. i am very glad it wasn't my job to do, as i know i wouldn't have stood up to making this decision.
( rachelswipe with a fork, Mon 3 Nov 2008, 16:12, Reply)