The man who died and those asking and answering the questions

The victim, aged 27, who was from Gonzaga in Minas Gerais state, Brazil, and was working in London as an electrician. He had the misfortune to live in the same block as the suspected 21 July bombers. A series of apparent blunders led to him being shot seven times in the head and once in the shoulder by police.

Sir Ian Blair

Britain's top police officer, educated at Oxford. Initially had ambitions to be an actor and is known for his ease in front of the cameras. He succeeded Sir John Stevens as Met Commissioner in February and enjoyed a honeymoon period until now. Criticised for delaying the independent inquiry into the shooting of Mr de Menezes and failing to correct details issued in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

Nick Hardwick

Appointed first chairman of the Independent Police Complaints Commission in December 2002. He had previously served as chief executive of the Refugee Council. Before that he ran the Centrepoint homeless charity in central London, and worked at the national offenders' resettlement agency, Nacro.

Cressida Dick

Police commander, and one of the Met's most senior women officers, who was in overall charge of the operation on the day of the shooting. She issued instructions for Mr de Menezes to be apprehended before he entered Stockwell Tube station.

Charles Clarke

Home Secretary, who has come under pressure to review the shoot-to-kill guidelines. Has also been criticised for saying the policy is an operational matter for the police that does not require political approval. He gave the policy his "full support".

Gareth Peirce

Human rights lawyer representing the de Menezes family. Also represents former Guantanamo Bay prisoners and appeared for the Guildford Four and Birmingham Six. Has described doubts surrounding the investigation as a "chaotic mess" and has called for a public inquiry.