Protestors Demand Justice After Police Officer Cleared in Chris Kaba Shooting Case
LONDON, United Kingdom (AFP) — The Old Bailey in London became the focal point of raw emotions on Monday as protesters gathered in response to the recent verdict clearing a police marksman, Martyn Blake, of murder charges in the fatal shooting of Chris Kaba. The shooting incident, which took place in September 2022, had thrust issues of race, justice, and police accountability into the national spotlight.
Chants of “Say his name – Chris Kaba” and “No justice – no peace” resonated in the air, as supporters held placards demanding “Justice for Chris Kaba.” Their demonstration followed the acquittal of Blake, who had been on trial for the fatal shooting of Kaba, a 24-year-old black man from south London. The trial, which concluded after three hours of jury deliberation, resulted in a not guilty verdict—a decision that left Kaba’s family and supporters in profound distress.
The 40-year-old officer’s emotional response contrasted sharply with the heartbroken silence of Kaba’s family, who later expressed their devastation and vowed to continue their fight for justice. Temi Mwale and Kayza Rose of the Justice For Chris Kaba Campaign described the verdict as “painful proof that our lives are not valued by this system,” highlighting a perceived lack of accountability in police shootings involving black individuals.
Kaba’s death had sparked widespread protests and had been supported by advocacy groups such as Inquest, which focuses on state-related deaths. Inquest Director Deborah Coles emphasized the broader context of systemic racism, expressing concerns over the disproportionate fatalities involving black men at the hands of police. “Chris’ death is not an isolated case,” she stated, framing it as part of a troubling pattern of racial stereotyping.
The decision to charge Blake had previously ignited a protest from his fellow colleagues in the Metropolitan Police’s firearms unit, bringing operational tensions to the forefront. Many officers paused their duties in protest, fearing potential legal entanglements in the wake of fatal shootings, and highlighting challenges in maintaining adequate armed response personnel.
Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley acknowledged the personal and professional toll on Blake, articulating concerns about the implications for police morale and public safety. Rowley admitted the system holding police accountable was “broken,” warning against discouraging officers from fulfilling their duties.
While the prosecutors argued that Blake’s actions were “not reasonably justified or justifiable,” Blake defended his split-second decision during the court proceedings. He maintained that his decision to shoot through the windscreen of Kaba’s Audi Q8, believed to be a getaway vehicle in a prior shooting, was driven by the need to protect fellow officers from imminent threat.
The case has intensified the ongoing debate around police use of force in the UK, where firearms are generally not part of routine police equipment. According to official figures for the year ending March 2023, only three of the 18,395 police firearms operations resulted in fatalities, underscoring the rarity and gravity of such incidents.
As the calls for justice continue, the case of Chris Kaba highlights enduring challenges in addressing racial disparities and the accountability of law enforcement in Britain, prompting both legal and societal introspection.
