Justice for the Lawrence family

This week two of the murderers of Stephen Lawrence, who was brutally killed in a racist attack in 1993, were brought to justice.

Issan Ghazni, Chair of EMLD said:

"I hope that this verdict will allow some sense of closure for the Lawrence family, friends and supporters who have worked with determined integrity to make sure that justice has finally been seen to be done. We hope they will regain some peace in their lives."

Ruwan Uduwerage-Perera, former police officer and EMLD executive member, said:

"The tainted reputation of the police service has not been expunged despite this latest successful trial.

"As a result of this case community relations have been blighted by 18 years of mistrust, but there are still questions that need to be answered regarding the police service's incompetence and ongoing institutional racism. Police services still need to build new foundations of respect, ethics and professionalism with the communities they serve."

EMLD Vice Chair, Councillor Rabi Martins, who was one of the original members of the Metropolitan Police Race IAG (Independent Advisory Group) established following the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry Report commented:

"Stephen has left many legacies…one of which will be the higher levels of scrutiny now carried out by lay people from local communities into how police deal with race and racial incidents."

Issan added:

"It also remains for the Police to prove their worth by bringing successful prosecutions of the other suspects in the case, who so far, are still free.

"Our thoughts are with Stephen, his parents Doreen and Neville and Duwayne Brooks."