The Prosecutor: One Mans Pursuit of Justice for the Voiceless

Easy to read account of Nazir Afzal's life and early experiences of racism in Britain. Tells how he rose through his career to become the chief Prosecutor for England and Wales. Gives a real insight into the Criminal Prosecution Service, how it has improved in some ways and yet how difficult it can still be for justice to be done. A really interesting and enjoyable read.

Forthright even controversial, this man cared about the victims of crime. Increasingly this is a rare quality in a CPS more concerned with keeping government happy rather than upholding the law.

Decent read , not bad all outlines some of his important high profile cases and what happend I would recommend it.

I bought this after discovering the author on Twitter and found it a fascinating read. Nazir Afzal's passion for achieving a justice system that works as it should shines through this memoir. As well as detailing relatively recent achievements within the UK justice system, the book highlights current failures. Regarding Dominic Cummings' March 2021 lockdown breaches, it states, "If those in power can't be held accountable, then the law is meaningless." In the wake of the current partygate scandals, this statement gains new relevance.

Interesting enough as I read it in one sitting.My biggest problem with this book was that he writes about victims and witnesses being thrown to the wolves at court and being made to sit next to the defendant while waiting to go into court with no one to help or support them etc.Given how long he worked in the courts I am not sure how he can pretend that the witness service doesn’t exist. They are present in every criminal court in England and Wales.Every. Single. One.The witness service helps and supports witnesses attending court to give evidence. They provide private waiting areas for victims and witnesses. They show them around the court and explain who is who and what will happen on the day, and they do this in advance of the trial so that people are not left worrying unduly about what court is like. They answer questions, provide emotional support, explain special measures and help people to apply for them, they can accompany witnesses into the courtroom while they give evidence. They refer people to other agencies for ongoing support for things that may be troubling them outside of the court case....and so much more!!It was so irresponsible of Nazir Afzal to perpetuate the myth that there is no help at court for victims and witnesses. People already think this is the case from watching TV as victims and witnesses are often shown being thrown to the wolves in public areas because it makes tv more dramatic.But the reality isn’t like that and there is help and support available and this was a good opportunity to make that clearer to people so that they DO report crimes and support the justice system.Really disappointed in him for that.

Read in under twenty four hours. So amazing, so clear, so passionate. This is an amazing look into q wonderful man and his zeal for the ones normally abandoned by society. This is brilliant.

Nazir Afzal takes you on a journey from the 70s to present day, offering insight into the injustices experienced by many victims suffering, political violence, honour killings, modern day slavery and the infamous sex grooming gangs plaguing the country and much more.A book written on a personal level and can be appreciated by those interested in social justice as Nazir Afzal willingness to make noise where others would remain silent.Nazir Afzal demonstrates how a balance, pragmatic and humanistic approach is needed when applying the law.The book for me delivered what I wanted to know, the difficulties in prosecuting criminals and presented further background information on stories I read in the news.My only criticism, despite giving 5 stars, is the use of the words ‘gender terrorism’. Given the context and cases mentioned in the book on this section most if not all are from Asian and/or Muslim backgrounds and thus it reinforces the myth that terrorism is synonymous with Islam or foreign culture. I totally appreciate it would be terrifying for victims of domestic violence or honour killings when subjected to mental and physical violence, however when it comes to White indigenous crimes the word terror is not used (by the media, those in the legal profession or by those in public office) be that for extreme far-right violence, domestic violence or sexual harassment. I think the more appropriate words to use would have been ‘gender oppression’.Nonetheless I still feel the book deserves 5 stars, as my criticism is purely based upon semantics, whilst more admirably this book highlights crimes against oppressed women and Nazir Afzal’s determination to assist those women and raise this as a major issue in political and legal circles.

Enlightening, honest, emotional, thought provoking and inspiring. I have read this book cover to cover over 24 hours. I gave read things I had no idea of, some I was aware of and others beyond my comprehension.I am not sure at the moment how having read this book will change how I feel, think and behave, but suffice to say it will, as I reflect on what I have read, understood and believe. Thank you Nazir.