Gibraltar Police Officers Face Retrial in 2020 Fatal Boat Collision Case

Last April, the Court of Appeal overturned the decision of the court convicting the police officers of involuntary manslaughter. At the end of a preliminary hearing held on Friday, the Court decided to have the evidence re-examined by a new jury at a trial to be held in May, reports El Faro de Ceuta.

In November 2021, a jury had established the responsibility of the police officers in the fatal collision that resulted in the deaths of Mustafa Dris and Mohamed Abdeslam Ahmed. A verdict that was challenged by two officers of the Royal Gibraltar Police involved in this case.

In agreement with all parties, the investigating judge decided to reopen the case. The trial should open on May 26 and last two to three weeks. The witnesses will be heard again. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for March 17, in preparation for the trial starting at the end of May.

As for the families of Mustafa and Mohamed, they are demanding justice. They are asking for a clear investigation to be conducted and for the police officers responsible for this double crime to be convicted and struck off. "The police are there to protect us, not to violate human rights. We are only asking that justice be done and that it not go unpunished."