The family of Leonard Falk, who died in December of a suspected suicide on the Stockholm ship Bibby used to hold asylum seekers, said the British government should be held responsible for his death.
The family has filed a lawsuit against the government to force a decision to conduct an independent investigation into the death. Lawyers for the family said they made the decision after the government did not respond to three letters sent to them last month.
Lawyers urged the government to respond by Friday, citing an urgent need to secure evidence in the case.
Police and the coroner are investigating the death of Mr Falk, 27, who was found locked in the bathroom of the Bibby Stockholm, which was moored in Portland, Dorset.
Other asylum seekers on the barge told the Guardian that Faruk's death had left them traumatized and worried that others on board would suffer a similar fate.
Faruk's sister, Jora Dushku, 33, said: “We feel the British government should be held accountable for Leonard's death. Our hope is that people will understand the truth about what happened to Leonard and It is to prevent the same thing from happening to other asylum seekers.
“The way to do that is for the government to conduct a full and independent investigation into Leonard's death.”
In a preliminary letter to Justice Minister Alex Chalk, lawyers for the families asked whether the government should commission an independent investigation by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman, which will have access to specialist investigators experienced in gathering evidence. He emphasized that he had not made a decision. related to the deaths of people who were incarcerated.
Although the barge is not a prison or detention center, lawyers for the family say it is a “semi-custodial” facility given its remote location and residential restrictions, and an “exceptional investigation” should be launched. It has said.
The letter raises broader concerns about the conditions on board the barge, including the vulnerability and complex mental health needs of those on board, who are said to be at “high risk of suicide”.
Lawyers said there were reports of strange behavior on board the ship, including hysterics when asked to get into a car to go to the barge, and strange behavior on board where she was not given the support she needed. It outlines concerns about Mr Falk's behavior before and after he was taken aboard. .
Deborah Coles, director of the charity's inquest, backed calls for an independent inquiry into Ms Falk's death.
“Significant concerns have been raised about the 'prison-like' conditions on the Bibby Stockholm, the system for assessing the suitability of individuals accommodated on the barge, and the subsequent health and safety,” she said. Stated. “An independent investigation is essential to enable an appropriate and robust level of scrutiny.”
A government spokesperson said: “This is a tragic incident and our sympathies go out to everyone affected.” This incident is currently being investigated by the police and coroner and it is only right that the facts and circumstances be properly and legally established. As the inquest is ongoing it would be inappropriate to comment further. ”
