Police Face Human Rights Challenge Following Power Station Demo

June 30, 2009 - PRLog -- Footage has been released of a protester being dragged to the ground after asking a policeman for his identification number.  The video shows a protester being held by the throat by a police officer.

The incident is alleged to have occurred when officers were policing a demonstration at Kingsnorth power station in Kent in August last year.

The video shows Emily Apple asking for the policeman’s number to which he responded: “I don’t have to tell you”.

Ms Apple insisted that the police officer provide his number and asked a fellow protester to take a picture of him. Moments later it appears that both women were dragged to the floor and put in the stress position.

Ms Apple and fellow protestor Val Swain were arrested and then detained for 4 days before being released without charge.  It is not known what action the protesters are to take against the Police, while the footage of the incident has been handed to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Ian Carruthers said: “An issue arises out of the 1988 Human Rights Act which included in it a number of articles which covered the right to protest.  These are Article 11 - the right to peaceful assembly, Article 10 - the right to freedom of expression, Article 9 – the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion and Article 8 - the right to respect private and family life.

“It may be the case that the protesters will convince the Courts to challenge the actions of the police.  The incident is one of a long line of incidents involving the Police. Some commentators believe that the powers under various new Acts of Parliament since the Human Rights Act have prevented the free movement of protesters and free expression of political protest.”

If you believe you have a possible claim please contact Ian Carruthers at Armstrongs Solicitors
http://www.armstrong-law.co.uk/private-services/actions-a...

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