Hundreds honor fallen police officer killed 40 years ago at UK embassy in Libya

Hundreds of people gathered in central London on Wednesday to honor the memory of Constable Yvonne Fletcher, a police officer who was tragically shot dead 40 years ago outside the Libyan embassy. The vigil was held to commemorate the life of Fletcher, who was just 25 years old when she was killed while policing a demonstration against the regime of Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi.

Attendees paid their respects by laying flowers at the site where Fletcher lost her life, and the ceremony concluded with the release of seven white doves as a tribute to the slain officer. Despite efforts to seek justice for Fletcher, no one has been held accountable for her death. However, campaigners, including Fletcher’s colleague John Murray, have not given up the fight for justice.

Murray, who was by Fletcher’s side as she passed away, spoke at the memorial and announced a fundraising campaign for a private criminal prosecution and a request for the extradition of Saleh Ibrahim Mabrouk, a former Libyan minister believed to be involved in the plan to use violence during the protest.

Gadhafi, whose regime was known for its involvement in terrorist acts, was killed in 2011, but the legacy of his rule continues to impact Libya, which remains divided and plagued by conflict. The Metropolitan Police in London stated that while there are currently no active leads in Fletcher’s case, they will never close the investigation and will assess any new information that comes to light.

As the community remembers Fletcher’s sacrifice, her family expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from the Met. Despite the passage of 40 years, Fletcher’s memory lives on, and the quest for justice for her murder continues.