Palestinian political cartoonist’s murder case reopened 30 years after shooting

Cold case detectives believe changes in allegiances may hold the key to solving the murder of a Palestinian cartoonist. Naji Salim Hussain Al-ali was fatally shot as he walked to his office in Knightsbridge, west London, on July 22 1987. The 51-year-old, whose provocative cartoons were deemed critical of the Palestinian regime when they appeared in Kuwaiti newspaper Al-qabas, died in hospital a month later from his injuries.

Witnesses said Mr Al-ali was pursued for around 40 seconds by the suspected gunman before he was shot in the back of his neck. A second suspect, seen driving away from the scene, has also not been identified.

Dean Haydon, head of the Metropolitan Police’s counter terrorism command, said: “A lot can change in 30 years – allegiances shift and people who were not willing to speak at the time of the murder may now be prepared to come forward with crucial information. We remain open-minded about the motive ... and we believe there are people somewhere who have information that could help us bring those responsible for his murder to justice.”