Hillsborough families in the UK express disappointment over lack of police accountability

Families of victims of the 1989 Hillsborough tragedy in the UK expressed on Tuesday that they feel justice will remain unattainable, even after a watchdog released a report criticizing basic police errors. The disaster claimed the lives of 97 Liverpool supporters during a stadium crush in Sheffield, northern England, on April 15, 1989, marking the worst sporting disaster in British history.

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) published a comprehensive report following over ten years of investigation. It highlighted failures in match preparation, policing, and the response to the tragedy. The 2012 investigation by the IOPC, reviewing 352 complaints, uncovered new evidence that provided a clearer picture of the events surrounding the disaster.

The crush occurred during a surge at one end of Sheffield Wednesday's stadium, where Liverpool fans were attending an FA Cup semi-final. The investigation concluded that 12 former officers would have faced disciplinary proceedings for gross misconduct and major failings if they were still in service. However, because many have retired or passed away, no legal action can be taken against them.

Nicola Brook, representing the victims' families, stated at a press briefing, "Not a single officer will face a disciplinary action. No one will be held accountable." Margaret Aspinall, who lost her 18-year-old son James, called it a "disgrace to the nation" that the officers named in the report will leave with full pensions.

Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood described Hillsborough as "one of the most significant policing failures the country has ever witnessed." Legislation currently under discussion in Parliament would require public officials, including police officers, to respond truthfully to inquiries. A 2017 law also allows retired or resigned officers to be prosecuted.

IOPC Deputy Director General Kathie Cashell condemned the nearly 40-year struggle of families for justice as a "source of national shame" and criticized South Yorkshire Police for trying to shift blame onto Liverpool fans. A 2016 coroners inquest ruled the deaths as unlawful killings and confirmed that police mistakes, including opening an exit gate before kickoff, contributed to the fatal crush. South Yorkshire Police admitted in 2023 that their handling of match policing had been "catastrophically wrong."

Author: Sophia Brooks