THE FAMILY and supporters of Mohamud Hassan, who died after being released from police custody, have criticised the investigation on the anniversary of his death.

A statement from the family accuses the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) of “cover up [to] obscure, frustrate, delay and dispute our search for the truth.”

The death of Hassan in Cardiff on 9 January 2021 has so far led to six officers being served with misconduct notices by the IOPC, with more than 40 officers questioned.

But his family are frustrated that the investigators have refused to release body camera footage from officers who were in contact with Hassan.

Hilary Brown, a legal representative to the family, said: “The length of time it has taken for the IOPC to conclude their investigation is totally unacceptable. 

“The family made requests early in the investigation to disclose the police bodycam and CCTV… which has still not been disclosed to the family. This failure has significantly contributed to the ongoing trauma suffered by the family. 

“This denial constitutes a cruel and unusual punishment for a family seeking nothing more than the truth as to what happened to their beloved Mohammud.”

The IOPC claim they are reviewing a large amount of evidence and will share video footage “as soon as we are able.”

Supporters of the family include the general-secretary of the TUC in Wales, Savannah Taj, who said: “The Wales TUC remains resolute in our commitment and support for Mohamud Hassan’s family and the wider community, who are seeking an honest and transparent explanation of his death. 

“Given historical allegations of institutional racism levelled at South Wales Police and other recent cases of police brutality, we need to ensure that the investigation is subjected to independent legal scrutiny, supported by independent expert witnesses.

“We have a duty to stand up to racism and systemic structural inequality and call out racism wherever we see it. It is important that the trade union movement in Wales continue to support our members both inside and outside of the workplace, and how we respond to tackling widespread inequality and must remain a priority.”

Hassan was arrested on suspicion of a breach of the peace after getting into an altercation and was released without charge at around 8.30am on the morning of 9 January. 

His family say Hassan told them he had been beaten up by police. He was found dead shortly after 10.30pm that night. 

Witnesses reportedly were shocked by Hassan’s condition, saying his tracksuit was covered in blood and that he had severe injuries and bruising. A post-mortem failed to establish a cause of death.

The case led to sustained protests outside Cardiff Bay police station, and some protestors claim they themselves were targeted by police for arrest.

A family statement on the anniversary of his death stated: “We believe that all families of those that die in suspicious circumstances in police custody should have an automatic right enshrined in law to get immediate access to police bodycam footage showing exactly what happened during their final moments on this earth.

“Police body cam videos were introduced to help improve public trust and confidence and enhance police accountability. That hasn’t happened, and public trust and confidence in South Wales Police have  deteriorated.

“Part of the reason for this is that most families who suffer a death in custody are routinely denied access to this footage because the IOPC wishes to dampen down public outrage whilst the police, we believe, use these body cam videos to construct a plausible legal defence.”

Campaign spokesperson Lee Jasper added. “It’s time to end the scandal that sees families suffering the pain and grief of losing a loved one whilst in police custody and simultaneously trying to search for the truth. The release of this footage should be a matter of human rights, and families should be given unrestricted access to police bodycam footage. 

“We call on the public to support this critical demand. So do ask that you write and demand that Attorney General Suella Braverman and the Home Secretary Priti Patel, two women of colour, by the way, instruct the IOPC to release all police bodycam and CCTV footage to the Hassan family immediately. 

“The family also repeat the call on South Wales Police Crime Commissioner Alun Michael to suspend the six officers under investigation from duty. In no other profession can you be under investigation for suspicion of causing death and remain at work.”

IOPC Director for Wales, Catrin Evans responded: “Our independent investigation into police contact prior to the death of Mohamud Mohamed Hassan is well advanced and nearing completion. A substantial investigation report is being finalised.

“Our thoughts remain with Mr Hassan’s family and friends for their sad loss last January. We have kept his family, along with the Coroner and South Wales Police, updated on the progress of what has been a detailed and complex investigation. 

“While we appreciate how very difficult this past year has been for Mr Hassan’s family and their understandable need to know the circumstances surrounding his death, it has been vital that we pursue every possible line of enquiry. 

“We continue to liaise with the Coroner, and work towards sharing video footage and other evidential material with Mr Hassan’s family and legal representative as soon as we are able. We also need to take account of the need to safeguard the inquest into his death, which may be heard before a jury, and other potential future proceedings.

“We have reviewed a very large amount of evidence including detailed accounts from dozens of officers involved either directly or indirectly, accounts from family members, police body worn video footage, CCTV footage, photographs, police radio transmissions and call logs. 

“Investigators examined the police cell in which Mr Hassan was detained and visited the property in Newport Road to view the scene and secure relevant evidence. 

“Notices we previously served on six individuals at the force, five police officers and one custody detention officer, advising them their conduct is subject to investigation, remain in place. 

“At the conclusion of our investigation, we will decide whether any officer or member of staff under notice has a disciplinary case to answer. Publication of our full findings will be dependent on the timing of any future proceedings.”