All articles tagged with #independent investigation
Brazil's President Lula announced plans for an independent inquiry into a deadly police raid in Rio de Janeiro that resulted in at least 121 deaths, calling it a 'disastrous' massacre, amid public support and international attention.
Uvalde, Texas Police Chief Daniel Rodriguez has announced his resignation following an independent investigation into the actions of Uvalde police officers who responded to a mass shooting at Robb Elementary School. The investigation found that none of the initial five officers violated policy or committed serious acts of misconduct, which upset the families of the victims. Assistant Chief of Police Homer Delgado will serve as interim chief while the city searches for a full-time replacement.
Families of victims in the Uvalde school shooting express fury after an independent investigator's report clears local police officers of blame, despite finding failures in the law enforcement response. The report did not identify specific officers who violated policy and stated that the officers acted in good faith. Frustrated residents and council members expressed disappointment with the findings, while the district attorney's withholding of information added to the lack of transparency. The investigation comes amid ongoing criticism of law enforcement's handling of the tragic event, with families seeking accountability for the lives lost.
The family of 16-year-old nonbinary student Nex Benedict has launched an independent investigation into their death after early autopsy results ruled out injuries from a school fight as the cause. The family is seeking to hold those responsible to account and ensure it never happens again, urging officials to join forces to determine why this happened. The investigation into the fight is ongoing, and police have said they would turn over findings to the District Attorney’s office to determine if charges are warranted.
Former nuns who accused prominent priest Father Marko Ivan Rupnik of sexual, psychological, and spiritual abuse are urging Pope Francis to allow an independent investigation into the Catholic Church's handling of the allegations. About 20 people, mostly former nuns, have accused Rupnik of abuse, and they are calling for an inquiry into the hierarchy's response, including any potential involvement of Pope Francis. The Vatican's doctrinal department has concluded gathering information on the case and is deciding how to proceed.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib is calling for an independent investigation into the bombing of a Gaza hospital, refusing to accept the findings of the US and Israel that Islamic Jihad terrorists were responsible. Tlaib cited doubts raised by media outlets and third-party analysts and expressed agreement with the United Nations on the need for an independent investigation. She criticized Israel's denials of responsibility, pointing to reports of previous bombings of medical facilities in Gaza. Both the White House and the Israeli government have determined that the explosion was caused by a misfired Islamic Jihad rocket. Tlaib accused both governments of misleading the public in the past and called for a ceasefire to save innocent lives.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., continues to support the debunked Hamas narrative that Israel was responsible for the explosion at a Gaza hospital. Tlaib calls for an independent investigation, casting doubt on findings from both Israeli and U.S. intelligence. She cites previous instances of alleged misinformation by both governments and emphasizes the need for a ceasefire to protect innocent lives. Tlaib's colleague, Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., walked back her initial comments but did not apologize. The New York Times also admitted to relying too heavily on Hamas' claims in its coverage of the incident.
The deadly strike at a Gaza City hospital has sparked a blame game between Israelis and Palestinians, with both sides claiming evidence to support their accusations. While an independent investigative team could potentially resolve the matter by examining forensic evidence, there are challenges in creating a team that is acceptable to both sides and can work quickly. Options include the International Criminal Court, a United Nations-affiliated Commission of Inquiry, the International Commission of Jurists, the Commission for International Justice and Accountability, or a multinational team of government investigators and prosecutors. The investigation into the shootdown of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014 offers a framework for such an independent probe, but time is of the essence in the current crisis.
The Juilliard School has fired former composition department chair Robert Beaser after an independent investigation found credible evidence of misconduct, including interfering with academic work and violating school policy with an unreported relationship. The investigation was launched after allegations of sexual misconduct in the composition department from the late 1990s and early 2000s were made public. The school also plans to prohibit all amorous or sexual relationships between faculty and students starting in the fall.
Sophie, Duchess of Edinburgh, expressed her condolences after an elderly woman was killed by a motorcycle that was part of the U.K. royal’s police escort. The woman, Helen Holland, 81, was struck by the motorcycle at a west London intersection on May 10. The head of the Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Unit addressed the tragic incident. The Independent Office for Police Conduct is investigating the crash.