Rights group demands more action beyond officer interdictions over custodial deaths. [File, Standard]
The Independent Medico-Legal Unit (IMLU) has warned that the interdiction of officers on duty whenever a suspect dies in police custody is not enough to address custodial deaths.
In a statement on Friday, August 14, the rights group said the directive must be accompanied by proper investigations and accountability to ensure those responsible are held to account.
The warning follows a directive by Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja ordering the immediate interdiction of officers on duty, including the Occurrence Book (O.B.) handler, cell sentry and duty officer, whenever a person dies in police custody.
According to IMLU, while the directive marks a step toward curtailing custodial impunity, the rights group argued that deaths in custody are grave human rights violations that require thorough investigations and swift criminal prosecutions.
“This decision marks a necessary and firm step toward curtailing custodial impunity, restoring public trust, and upholding the fundamental constitutional rights to life, human dignity, and protection from cruel or degrading treatment while in state custody,” IMLU said.
The rights group called for prompt, independent and exhaustive investigations into all deaths and cases of torture in places of detention.