Force admits unlawful arrest of pro-Gaza protester
PA MediaA police force has admitted a man's arrest was unlawful following his treatment at a Palestine solidarity protest.
Mick Bowman, a retired mental health social worker, was forcibly removed from the crowd and subjected to a neck hold at a march at Newcastle University on 29 May 2024 which was organised by residents and students, Bindmans law firm said.
He was then detained for about six hours without being cautioned or informed of the grounds of his arrest, the law firm said.
Northumbria Police said it recognised the right to lawful protest was a "fundamental element of a democratic society" and the arrest was "not justified".
Bindmans said Bowman was arrested on suspicion of breach of the peace, but no evidence was given to justify this.
No-one admitted to being the arresting officer and there was an absence of records detailing the arresting officer and reason for arrest, it added.
Northumbria Police said officers were "met with hostility and disorder" at the protest and a number of people were arrested, some of whom had gained unauthorised access to a university building.
'Abandoned safeguards'
Following detailed pre-action correspondence, police confirmed Bowman's arrest was unlawful at common law and the force used on Bowman was unlawful, the law firm said.
Meanwhile, the force also admitted Bowman was exercising Articles 8, 10 and 11 of the European Conventions of Human Rights and these were violated.
Bowman said: "Peaceful protest to prevent the harm of others, including against genocide, plays a vital role in a democratic society.
"The outcome of my case should prompt serious reflection and action by Northumbria Police to protect others who choose to stand up for what they believe in."
A spokesperson for the Northumbria force said: "We recognise that the right to lawful protest is a fundamental element of a democratic society, and the police are committed to upholding that right.
"We acknowledge that, on this occasion, the arrest could not be justified, and we have issued an apology to the individual concerned."
They added training regularly takes place on managing protests and the "vast majority" in the area "conclude without significant incident".
Rachel Harger, from Bindmans, said: "There is growing, significant concern caused by reported misuses of police powers against Palestine solidarity activists and campaigners.
"This case demonstrates how easily basic safeguards can be abandoned during the policing of protests, and why firm legal accountability remains essential to safeguard the rights of those who participate in peaceful protest."
