Killing of Jean Charles de Menezes

Jean Charles da Silva e de Menezes (Brazilian Portuguese: [ʒeˈɐ̃ ˈʃaʁliz dʒi meˈnezis]; 7 January 1978 – 22 July 2005) was a Brazilian man who was fatally shot by the Metropolitan Police Service at Stockwell Station of the London Underground.

He was mistakenly identified as one of the fugitives from the previous day's failed bombing attempts, that occurred two weeks after the 7 July 2005 London bombings, in which 52 people were killed.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched two investigations, designated as Stockwell 1 and Stockwell 2. The findings of Stockwell 1, initially withheld from the public, concluded that none of the officers would face disciplinary charges. Stockwell 2 strongly criticized the command structure of the police and its communication with the public.

In July 2006, the Crown Prosecution Service determined that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute any individual police officer, although criminal prosecution for failing in duty of care towards Menezes was officially initiated against the Commissioner under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The Commissioner was found guilty, and his office was fined. However, on 12 December 2008, an inquest returned an open verdict.

The death of Menezes led to protests in Brazil and prompted apologies from British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Foreign Secretary Jack Straw. The Landless Workers' Movement demonstrated outside British diplomatic missions in Brasília and Rio de Janeiro. The shooting also led to debate over shoot-to-kill policies adopted by the Metropolitan Police Service after the September 11 attacks.