Paul Murphy: On George's Death, GSOC File and Racial Bias
Paul Murphy addressed the killing of George and Kensho, welcoming GSOC's referral of a file to the DPP and urging patience for the DPP's decision. He highlighted a family statement alleging racial bias in media coverage and expressed sympathy for the bereaved family and community.
Key development
GSOC has sent a file to the DPP in relation to the killing of George and Kensho, Murphy said, and the DPP will decide whether any Garda have a case to answer. He called for natural justice and asked that politicians and the public not jump to conclusions until the DPP's decision is made and any court process has run its course.
Family statement and concerns
Murphy quoted a statement from George's sister, Gloria and Kensho, which accused initial media coverage of being tainted by racial bias and criticised inaccurate reporting fuelled by leaks from Angarda Siakana. The family expressed disappointment at the lack of public political support and questioned whether the response would have differed if the victim had been from a different background.
Media and leaks
The speech singled out the role of journalists, including those from the national broadcaster, RTE, in shaping the narrative, and referenced alleged leaks from Angarda Siakana that influenced public understanding. Murphy relayed the family's view that inaccuracies have long plagued the facts surrounding George's death.
Political response and equality issues
Murphy reported the family's disappointment with the major political parties' silence and raised the possibility that racial bias affected politicians' willingness to offer public support. He said these concerns go to the heart of public sector duty for equality and the need for human rights assessment.
Procedural context and sympathies
Murphy recounted meeting with the family and their legal team during the pandemic in a virtual meeting and said he contacted the Gardaí but did not meet the Gardaí involved. He reiterated his view that GSOC's investigation was appropriate, extended sympathies to George's family and the wider community, and stressed the importance of awaiting the DPP's decision.
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Thanks, Lask and Corda. Teachta, firstly I want to say I welcome the fact that GSOC has sent a file to the DPP in relation to the killing of George and Kensho. I understand that the Teachta will not be able to comment on the particular case. However, there are broader issues raised by George's killing. I want to quote from a statement issued by his sister, Gloria and Kensho, yesterday, which raises some of those issues. She said, as we reflect upon the conclusion of the investigation into George's tragic death, it is imperative to acknowledge the insidious influence of racial bias that tainted the initial media coverage of George's case. We cannot ignore the manner in which journalists, including those from the national broadcaster, RTE, portrayed our family's arduous struggle for justice. The impact of inaccurate reporting, fuelled by leaks from Angarda Siakana, continues to shape the prevailing narrative. However, today's announcement fills us with hope that this long-standing injustice will be rectified, finally dispelling the inaccuracies that have plagued the understanding of the facts surrounding George's untimely death. We are also compelled to express our profound disappointment in the political response or rather lack thereof. It is disheartening to witness the major political parties in the state, who should have been beacons of support and solidarity, fail to stand beside our family in our relentless quest for justice. This glaring absence underscores the impression within marginalised communities that members of Angarda Siakana can operate with impunity, even in the aftermath of such a heart-wrenching tragedy. We also raise valid concerns about the potential role of racial bias in shaping the decision of politicians to withhold public support. It is impossible to overlook the question, would the response have been different if the victim had been a white, middle-class young man from the leafy suburbs of South County Dublin? I think Gloria is right, and all those questions go right to the heart of public sector duty for equality and the need for human rights assessment. Thanks very much. Starting with the sad death of George Inchenko. George was a condition of mine and sadly lost his life, sadly was killed in the way that he was. At the time I met with his family and their legal team were with them as a virtual meeting at the time, because it was during the pandemic, and a GSOC investigation was established, and I think that was the appropriate course of action, that nobody jumps to conclusions, or none of us as politicians should jump to conclusions. GSOC has now carried out its investigation. A file is with the DPP, and the DPP will decide whether or not the guard you're concerned have a case to answer, and I think we should await that decision, and the right thing to do, in my view, in terms of natural justice, is not to jump to a conclusion as to what happened here. Let's see what decision is made by the DPP, and if it goes to trial, and what the outcome is, but certainly extend my sympathies again to the family, to the friends of George, and to the wider community, which was very deeply affected by this, and they certainly have our sympathies, given what they have had to endure. But I think it's not right for any of us, no matter what perspective we're coming from, to jump to conclusions. GSOC carried out an investigation that was appropriate. The matter is now with the DPP, and the DPP will decide whether or not anyone has a case to answer, and we'll take it from there. Just in relation to ... . . I wasn't asking you to comment ... GSOC Look, I'm not sure of deputy, because I think that's ... It's very hard for me to answer that, but certainly in terms of my own actions, I don't think I personally was guilty of any racial bias or my party. I met with the family and their legal team. I also contacted the Gardaí, but I didn't meet with the Gardaí involved. It's my view that you allow an investigation to take place, but that's just me. I can't speak for other politicians and I can't speak for RT or the media. I don't think you're accusing me of racial bias, but if you are, I don't think it's a fair charge. In relation to Deputy Boyd Barrett's question,
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