Manchester protest against police violence. Photo: Cameron Boyle
Outrage at the police violence at Manchester airport mobilised quickly to denounce police racism and demand justice after Tuesday, report Penny Hicks and Cameron Boyle
At Manchester Airport on Tuesday night a Greater Manchester police officer tasered Fahir Amaaz, then as he lay face down on the floor the officer kicked him, then he stamped on his head. He’s in hospital with cyst on the brain.
A man filming the assault was PAVA sprayed. A man sitting on a bench with his hands above his head was also punched.
Hundreds of protesters gathered at Rochdale police station demanding the release of the arrested men and on Thursday night hundreds more gathered at the office of Metro Mayor, Andy Burnham and stopped trams from running. The angry rally shouted, ‘No Justice, No peace’ and heard from Fahir’s uncle, trade unionists, and organisers of the protest, Stand up to Racism.
Without doubt, the roar of anger from our movement has put the institutionalised racism of the police and not just the GMP centre stage. The Palestine solidarity movement mobilised immediately over this racist and brutal attack. Activists responded quickly and had the organisation built through Palestine solidarity activity to do so.
The GMP have only just come out of special measures and the number of complaints about use of force has doubled this year to 837. In Manchester, we have seen a massive overreaction by the police to the regular Palestine demonstrations, including the use of snatch squads to make arrests.
The response from the Police, Mayor Andy Burnham and the mainstream media had been to call for understanding the context of the arrests, what led to the assault, with concern over armed police ‘losing their weapons’. Such handwringing is plainly ridiculous.
But no matter what the ‘context’ was, the video clearly shows that after being tasered, Fahir was brutally attacked. No other officer attempted to prevent the attack, but proceeded to attack other bystanders. Shame on all those who are merely ‘concerned’, because without justice there will be no peace.
Before you go
The ongoing genocide in Gaza, Starmer’s austerity and the danger of a resurgent far right demonstrate the urgent need for socialist organisation and ideas. Counterfire has been central to the Palestine revolt and we are committed to building mass, united movements of resistance. Become a member today and join the fightback.
