Kaufmann – who helped victims sue the Metropolitan Police in the John Worboys case – is now assisting women allegedly attacked by Mohamed Al Fayed. Following a BBC documentary on the matter, more than 100 women have come forward with allegations of sexual misconduct against Fayed. The legal team is examining whether police failed to properly investigate Fayed, who faced accusations of sexual harassment and assault dating back to 1995. The team is questioning if police breached the Human Rights Act in handling the allegations against Fayed before his death last year at the age of 94.
The legal team is considering the need for a public inquiry to determine if claims against Fayed were overlooked and not properly investigated. Emma Jones of Leigh Day, part of the legal team, emphasized the importance of understanding what police officers should have known about the allegations against Fayed and if they were intentionally ignored. Jack Straw, the former home secretary, previously denied Fayed British citizenship citing a “general defect in his character”. Barrister Dean Armstrong also highlighted the need for public figures to speak out earlier on the matter to support the women who were victims of Fayed’s alleged behavior.
Armstrong believes a public inquiry into the case is necessary due to the serious nature of the allegations and the failure of the system to address them. The legal team is urging women who may have been affected by Fayed to come forward, even if they do not wish to pursue a case, to aid in their investigation. They are also calling for accountability for those who may have known about Fayed’s behavior but remained silent.
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