Media ‘hounded’ Grenfell resident
THE Grenfell Tower tenant in whose flat the fire started was “absolutely blameless” and subject to a “nasty lie” about packing a bag before fleeing, his lawyer has said.
Fourth-floor resident Behailu Kebede acted “quickly and instinctively” when he was woken by his smoke alarm on June 14 2017, calling 999 and alerting neighbours, Rajiv Menon QC told the public inquiry into the disaster.
The hearing was told that Mr Kebede left his home with no shoes, keys or wallet – not clutching his hastily assembled belongings, as was reported at the time.
Inquiry chairman Sir Martin Moore-Bick was called upon to “explicitly exonerate” the survivor following a “campaign of harassment” by the media.
Mr Menon said: “In short, Behailu Kebede did exactly what Grenfell Tower residents who discovered a fire in their flat were told to do by the fire action notice posted by the lifts.”
He added: “He desperately wanted to do more to help his neighbours and friends, but what more could he do? He felt utterly helpless.”
The inquiry heard that Mr Kebede had lived in the west London high-rise block for 25 years, having originally moved from Ethiopia.
He had concerns about the refurbishment work done on the tower and “personally had problems with incorrectly fitted double-glazed windows that left gaps between the frame and the concrete”.
It is suspected that the fire set light to the flammable exterior cladding through the gaps around the flat windows.
On the night of the blaze, Mr Kebede banged on the door of five other flats on the floor, yelling “Fire! Fire! Fire!” and waited until somebody opened each flat, his lawyer told the hearing.
Mr Menon said: “Having warned all his neighbours on the fourth floor, Mr Kebede returned to flat 16, switched off the main electricity in the hallway and put on some trousers. He left his home for the very last time, shutting the front door behind him.
“All he had on his person were the clothes he was wearing and the mobile phone with which he was calling 999.”
He added: “He did not pack a suitcase and leave after raising the alarm, a nasty lie printed in the days after the fire and sadly continue to be peddled nearly a year later.”
Journalists then began to hound Mr Kebede and his family, it was heard.
Police became so concerned about Mr Kebede’s safety that “they suggested witness protection”, while his parents and children now “feel unsafe” in his home.
He has also suffered repercussions to his health – which were not outlined – but was said to be “terrified” at the prospect of giving evidence.
“He just wants to be given the opportunity to try and rebuild his life as best he can,” his lawyer said.
The inquiry is currently hearing openings from the lawyers of core participants at Holborn Bars in central London.