Activist’s claim of racist assault on bypass adds to litany of alleged violations of human rights sent to UN rapporteurs
A campaigner against the HS2 rail line whose head and back were knelt on by police after he says he was thrown to the ground during a peaceful protest believes he was singled out because he is black. He has lodged a complaint of assault amid rising calls for UK government action on the policing of environmental protests.
Video footage shows William Harewood, the only person of colour in a small group of activists at a bypass in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, offering no resistance as he is held face down by Thames Valley police officers, two of whom kneel on his head and upper back while two others pin his legs down with their knees. “We were trying to give food to people in lock-ons [devices protesters use to attach themselves to trees or buildings], and as I leaned forward to pick up a cup they threw me down,” said Harewood, who is in his 30s and claimed that on that occasion in August he was picked out because of his race, but added that activists of all backgrounds were assaulted during HS2 protests.
Continue reading…Activist’s claim of racist assault on bypass adds to litany of alleged violations of human rights sent to UN rapporteursA campaigner against the HS2 rail line whose head and back were knelt on by police after he says he was thrown to the ground during a peaceful protest believes he was singled out because he is black. He has lodged a complaint of assault amid rising calls for UK government action on the policing of environmental protests.Video footage shows William Harewood, the only person of colour in a small group of activists at a bypass in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, offering no resistance as he is held face down by Thames Valley police officers, two of whom kneel on his head and upper back while two others pin his legs down with their knees. “We were trying to give food to people in lock-ons [devices protesters use to attach themselves to trees or buildings], and as I leaned forward to pick up a cup they threw me down,” said Harewood, who is in his 30s and claimed that on that occasion in August he was picked out because of his race, but added that activists of all backgrounds were assaulted during HS2 protests. Continue reading…