Diallo officers escape punishment

Diallo's death strained relations with the black community

Police in New York have said four officers will not be punished for shooting dead an unarmed West African immigrant in 1999, an incident which sparked protests among the city's black population.

The four policemen were acquitted last year of criminal charges in connection with the death of Amadou Diallo, who was hit 19 times.

They said they had mistaken the wallet he had taken from his pocket for a gun.

McMellon and Boss: Free to resume their careers

The New York police commissioner Bernard Kerik said the officers would not be allowed to carry their guns or badges until it was decided they were fit for regular duties.

"This decision does not minimise in any way my sympathy for the Diallo family... the death of their son... was in all respects a terrible, terrible tragedy," said Mr Kerik.

The shooting on 4 February 1999, severely strained relations between the police and the city's black community and sparked wild protests and allegations of endemic police brutality.

Reaching for wallet

The officers stopped and shot Diallo in front of his apartment building when the 22-year-old African reached his breast pocket for what they thought was a gun.

Diallo, who was in fact unarmed.

Mr Kerik accepted the recommendations of two police investigative panels, concluding that the officers acted within departmental guidelines.

The panels said the officers believed their lives were in danger because they thought Diallo had a gun.

Civil lawsuit

Although cleared of criminal charges the four officers - Kenneth Boss, Sean Carroll, Edward McMellon, and Richard Murphy - still face an $81m civil lawsuit brought by the victim's family.

Amadou Diallo: unarmed

Mr Kerik's decision means the officers are free to resume their police careers.

Boss and Carroll have said they wish to remain on the force, while McMellon and Murphy have applied to the Fire Department.

Anthony Gair, attorney for the victim's mother Kadiatou Diallo, declined comment on the decision until he could study it.

"We need a chance to digest this," he said.

Mother seeks justice

On Thursday, Mrs Diallo said she was not surprised the officers would not be disciplined.

"It's been over two years since I came to America. The only thing that I can claim still is justice," she said. "Unfortunately, it is not happening, and I don't understand why."

Attorneys for the officers said their clients were relieved this process was over.

"It's been a long road, and the officers are pleased that the department has vindicated their actions," said Stephen Worth, McMellon's attorney.