Tube death cops back at work
2006-07-29 08:53
London - Two armed London police officers involved in the fatal shooting of a Brazilian man mistaken for a suicide bomber are returning to full duties, the Metropolitan Police said on Friday.
The two, who have not been identified, have been under restrictions since Jean Charles de Menezes was shot dead on July 22, 2005.
Prosecutors announced on July 17 that no police officers would face criminal charges for the killing.
The Metropolitan Police said that following the prosecutors' decision, it had "lifted the current restrictions placed upon the two firearms officers".
"Both officers will now resume full operational duties," the force said in a statement.
The force still has to decide whether either of the officers will face disciplinary proceedings over the shooting.
While no individuals will face criminal charges, the Crown Prosecution Service is prosecuting the London's Metropolitan Police as an organisation for violating health and safety laws in "failing to provide for the health, safety and welfare" of the victim.
De Menezes, 27, was shot seven times in the head after being mistaken for a suspected suicide bomber.
The shooting came one day after four attackers failed in efforts to set off explosions on a bus and subway trains, and 15 days after four suicide bombers killed 52 bus and subway passengers in London.
- AP