George Nkencho: Family to appeal DPP's decision not prosecute Garda over fatal shooting

Following yesterday's news that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) will not be prosecuting the Garda who fatally shot George Nkencho outside his home in West Dublin in 2020, the Nkencho family solicitor, Phelim O'Neill, has announced that "the family intend to appeal this decision."

The 27-year-old's death on December 30, 2020, was the subject of an independent criminal investigation by the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission (GSOC). In June 2023, GSOC submitted its investigative file to the DPP.

In a statement, Phelim O'Neill remarked that the family are “disappointed with the decision of the Director of Public Prosecutions not to prosecute members of An Garda Síochána involved in the shooting dead of their son and brother George."

Black & Irish – a group that platforms the experiences of the Black and mixed race community in Ireland – have also spoken out about the DPP's decision, stating that they are "deeply disappointed".

"This has been an ongoing investigation for 3.5 years with the family having to deal with delay after delay," the group wrote on social media. "We are horrified with how they have been treated throughout this ordeal. Now they must also face another hurdle in the fight for justice for their son and brother.

"We are committed to supporting the family in their campaign for justice for George. George’s family must have our full backing and we would encourage you to stand with us behind them."

Concluding the statement, Black & Irish claim that "the long road to justice in this case has been plagued by potholes and speed bumps, but we will not stop until we reach it."

Commenting on Black & Irish's Instagram post, Dublin rapper Nealo described the decision as "a heavy shame on this country."

"An unnecessary end to a man’s life who needed help not bullets," he wrote. "And for it take 3 and a half years to get to this decision is mind blowing."

Activist and former TD Ruth Coppinger has described the DPP's decision as a "travesty of justice." She and Solidarity TD Mick Barry will hold a press conference at 1pm today outside Leinster House in Dublin, to speak out about the decision.