This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-34486262
The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Shrien Dewani 'victim of witch hunt' after honeymoon murder | Shrien Dewani 'victim of witch hunt' after honeymoon murder |
(35 minutes later) | |
The husband of honeymoon murder victim Anni Dewani has said he was the victim of a "witch hunt", after standing trial following her death. | |
Shrien Dewani, 34, from Bristol, was cleared of plotting to murder his new bride in South Africa in 2010. | Shrien Dewani, 34, from Bristol, was cleared of plotting to murder his new bride in South Africa in 2010. |
As a coroner ruled he would not open a full UK inquest into the death, Mr Dewani said those who claimed he was linked to her murder were "liars". | |
It is the first time his views have been heard since his 2014 trial. | It is the first time his views have been heard since his 2014 trial. |
In the letter sent to North London Coroners' Court, Mr Dewani said: "I would like to make clear that I have a significant number of questions which remain unanswered about the night that my wife and I were kidnapped and Anni was tragically shot after being taken from me." | In the letter sent to North London Coroners' Court, Mr Dewani said: "I would like to make clear that I have a significant number of questions which remain unanswered about the night that my wife and I were kidnapped and Anni was tragically shot after being taken from me." |
Mr Dewani and his wife, 28, were kidnapped at gunpoint while on honeymoon in Cape Town, South Africa, in November 2010. | |
He was released unharmed before Mrs Dewani's body was found on the back seat of their taxi the following day. | |
He later faced trial on suspicion of conspiracy to murder his new bride, but the case was thrown out by a South African judge in 2014. | |
Three South African men were jailed for their role in Mrs Dewani's death. | Three South African men were jailed for their role in Mrs Dewani's death. |
Mr Dewani's letter continued: "Each of the gang members did a deal with the authorities to gain either full immunity or vastly reduced sentences in return for providing evidence against me. | Mr Dewani's letter continued: "Each of the gang members did a deal with the authorities to gain either full immunity or vastly reduced sentences in return for providing evidence against me. |
"It is the evidence of these proven liars that led to a witch hunt against me and the resulting failure to pursue the truth of what happened that night." | "It is the evidence of these proven liars that led to a witch hunt against me and the resulting failure to pursue the truth of what happened that night." |
Written statement | Written statement |
He continued: "It is clear that none of the evidence provided by these persons was corroborated in any meaningful way. | He continued: "It is clear that none of the evidence provided by these persons was corroborated in any meaningful way. |
"This has allowed the individuals concerned to literally get away with murder." | "This has allowed the individuals concerned to literally get away with murder." |
Mr Dewani did not give evidence during the trial in South Africa last year. Instead a statement from him was read out by his defence lawyer at the start of trial. | Mr Dewani did not give evidence during the trial in South Africa last year. Instead a statement from him was read out by his defence lawyer at the start of trial. |
The judge said the evidence of the prosecution's main witness was "riddled with contradictions". | The judge said the evidence of the prosecution's main witness was "riddled with contradictions". |
Mr Dewani said he sent the letter to the coroner because he was unable to attend in person "due to pre-arranged travel". | |
He said he "accepted the views" of the coroner which were expressed at an earlier hearing, when he said an inquest in the UK "would not serve any purpose". |