The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) has provided a fresh update on investigations into deaths linked to the 2024 Anti-Finance Bill protests, revealing that only three cases have reached the courts while dozens of others remain under active investigation.
In a statement released on Monday, the authority said it had documented 62 deaths arising from the 2024 demonstrations and outlined the progress made in pursuing justice for the victims and their families.
According to IPOA, three cases are currently before the courts, three have been forwarded to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) for review, one is undergoing internal legal assessment, four were closed after investigations, five were closed following ODPP directions, and 46 are still being investigated.
Addressing concerns over the pace of prosecutions, the oversight body explained that investigations involving police conduct are often complex and rely on evidence from multiple institutions, including the National Forensic Laboratory and the Government Chemist, whose forensic and ballistic examinations can prolong the process.
“The progression of a case to court depends on the sufficiency of evidence and the outcome of prosecutorial review by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP). Consequently, not every completed investigation automatically results in prosecution,” said IPOA.
The authority noted that some investigations are closed when the available evidence does not meet the legal threshold required for criminal charges, while others require additional investigative work before any action can be taken.
IPOA also released updated figures on deaths linked to more recent demonstrations. The agency has registered 27 fatalities from the June 2025 Gen Z Memorial protests, with one case already before the court and 26 still under investigation.
It has also documented 38 deaths connected to the July 2025 Saba Saba protests, two of which were closed internally while the remaining 36 continue to be investigated.
Combined, the three major public order events have resulted in 127 recorded deaths, placing significant responsibility on the oversight authority to investigate alleged police misconduct and ensure accountability.
On cases already submitted to the ODPP, IPOA said it will not disclose specific details while prosecutorial reviews are ongoing, explaining that doing so could compromise investigations, expose witnesses and victims, or prejudice future court proceedings.
The authority maintained that such information will become public once charges are formally filed.
Beyond compensation efforts, IPOA said it is implementing measures aimed at strengthening police accountability, including accelerating investigations, reducing case backlogs, recruiting additional investigators and improving collaboration with other institutions to ensure complaints are handled more efficiently.
