Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
‘Racist’ council and cops failed innocent man killed by thug
Report slams Bijan’s ordeal
AN Iranian murdered after years of abuse was failed by his council and police due to “institutional racism”, a report said yesterday.
Refugee Bijan Ebrahimi made 44 claims that he was a victim of crimes including death threats, assault, harassment and criminal damage.
But an inquiry found he was ignored by Avon and Somerset Police and Bristol City Council, which both “repeatedly sided with the abusers”.
Mr Ebrahimi, 44, was finally beaten unconscious and set alight in July 2013 by neighbour Lee James, who wrongly believed he was a paedophile.
James got life and pal Stephen Norley got four years for assisting an offender. Four police staff were sacked.
A Safer Bristol Partnership review has blamed the tragedy on “collective failure”, finding police treated Bijan with “disrespect and even contempt”.
Lawyers representing his family said it was the first finding of institutional racism against a police force since the 1999 Macpherson report.
CHALLENGED
In a statement, sisters Mojgan Kahayatian and Manisha Moores said: “No review can bring back Bijan but it is important his voice has been heard.
“Bijan always said racism must be challenged wherever it is found.”
Their solicitor, Tony Murphy, said: “Acknowledging the institutional nature of the racism at the core of this tragedy is an essential first step towards systemic change.”
Bijan had boiling water thrown on his head in one incident and suffered an arson attack. A relative told the review she heard him called “P***” and told: “Go back to your own country.”
Bijan begged the council weekly to move him – and was given an Asbo in 2010. In July, an IPCC report suggested he got the order, later overturned, as he was seen as a nuisance.
The IPCC also found officers showed “hallmarks” of racial bias.
PC Kevin Duffy and PCSO Andrew Passmore were jailed last year for misconduct in public office. They were dismissed along with PCS Helen Harris and Leanne Winter. Shocking treatment of Bijan in a station days before his death emerged in the trial.
Chief Constable Andy Marsh said: “We failed him and I am unreservedly sorry.” Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees also apologised, adding: “No amount of lessons learned or changes in practice can mitigate the impact.”