From SlafordOnline.com
G20 Protester's death - the eyewitness account
by Martin Baxter in London
Witnesses to the death of a man during yesterday’s G20 protests in the City of London have called for an official enquiry into the incident after seeing what they believe was a murder on the streets of London.
Ian Tomlinson, 47, was apparently on his way home from work as a newsagent, and allegedly collapsed and suffered a heart attack during the protest.
The allegations were made after the widow of the man today lead a march for her partner who she said “died for the crimes of capitalism.”
One female witness who wished to remain anonymous talked of “police brutality and heartlessness” and directly implicated members of the police force in the “murder” of the protester who, in tributes left outside the Royal Exchange in the city, was described as a “hero.”
She spoke of the “unwarranted” attack made by “masked policemen in riot gear.” After being struck in the head by a police baton she said the man was then bloodied and left unconscious on the street.
Ian Tomlinson collapsed in St Michael's Alley close to the junction of Birchin Lane and Cornhill at 7.30pm.
She said the police had formed an “animal pen” around the protesters to contain what was slowly becoming a heated encounter.
In a statement made on behalf of the dead man's wife, witnesses were urged to come forward and give statements to expose what was called “the failures of both the police and members of the media in the accurate reporting of yesterdays incident.”
Today’s memorial procession began just metres from the RBS headquarters in The City, that has in recent times become the symbol of corporate capitalism, culminating in a gathering of over 200 protesters, journalists and passers-by who joined those in grief for the man described as a “brother of the revolution.”
A police spokesman said officer sent in police medics through the cordon line and into St Michael's Alley, where they found a man who had stopped breathing.
The officers then apparently took the decision to move him as, during this time, a number of missiles ,believed to be plastic bottles, were being thrown at them."
The death has since been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.
A spokesman said: "IPCC investigators will be assessing the circumstances throughout the day. They will be examining CCTV and attending the post-mortem this afternoon, as is usual in cases of this nature.
"When all the available information has been assessed, the IPCC will make a decision about the level of involvement it needs to have in progressing the investigation into this case."
Showing posts with label Climate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Climate. Show all posts
Friday, 3 April 2009
Witness statements regarding the tragic death of Ian Tomlinson
Various participants in the City of London demonstrations on April 1st have come forward as witnesses to the collapse of a man later identified by authorities as Ian Tomlinson. Four different university students witnessed the collapse of Mr. Tomlinson. "He stumbled towards us from the direction of police and protestors and collapsed," said Peter Apps. "I saw a demonstrator who was a first aider attend to the person who had collapsed. The man was late 40s, had tattoos on his hands, and was wearing a Millwall shirt."
While the first aider was helping the man, another demonstrator with a megaphone was calling the police over so that they could help.
Natalie Langford, a student at Queen Mary, said "there was a police charge. A lot of people ran in our direction. The woman giving first aid stood in the path of the crowd." The running people, seeing a guy on the ground, went around them.
Another demonstrator had already called 999 and was getting medical advice from the ambulance dispatcher. "Four police with two police medics came. They told her [the first aider] to 'move along'.", said Peter Apps. "Then they pushed her forcibly away from him. They refused to listen to her [the first aider] when she tried to explain his condition."
The first aider, who did not wish to be named, said "The police surrounded the collapsed man. I was standing with the person who'd called 999. The ambulance dispatcher wanted to talk to the police, the phone was
being held out to them, but the police refused."
Another witness, Elias Stoakes, added "we didn't see them [the police] perform CPR."
Other people who had tried to stay with the collapsed man were also pushed away.
All of the witnesses deny the allegation that many missiles were thrown.
According to Peter Apps, "one bottle was thrown, but it didn't come close to the police. Nothing was thrown afterwards as other demonstrators told the person to stop. The person who threw the bottle probably didn't realize that someone was behind the ring of police." All the witnesses said that the demonstrators were concerned for the well-being of the collapsed man once they realized that there was an injured person.
Natalie Langford said "when the ambulance arrived the protestors got straight out of the way."
These witnesses are happy to give media statements.
They can be contacted through this press liasion email:
g20witnesses@gmail.com
See video of two of the witnesses giving their statement.
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/videos/1023
While the first aider was helping the man, another demonstrator with a megaphone was calling the police over so that they could help.
Natalie Langford, a student at Queen Mary, said "there was a police charge. A lot of people ran in our direction. The woman giving first aid stood in the path of the crowd." The running people, seeing a guy on the ground, went around them.
Another demonstrator had already called 999 and was getting medical advice from the ambulance dispatcher. "Four police with two police medics came. They told her [the first aider] to 'move along'.", said Peter Apps. "Then they pushed her forcibly away from him. They refused to listen to her [the first aider] when she tried to explain his condition."
The first aider, who did not wish to be named, said "The police surrounded the collapsed man. I was standing with the person who'd called 999. The ambulance dispatcher wanted to talk to the police, the phone was
being held out to them, but the police refused."
Another witness, Elias Stoakes, added "we didn't see them [the police] perform CPR."
Other people who had tried to stay with the collapsed man were also pushed away.
All of the witnesses deny the allegation that many missiles were thrown.
According to Peter Apps, "one bottle was thrown, but it didn't come close to the police. Nothing was thrown afterwards as other demonstrators told the person to stop. The person who threw the bottle probably didn't realize that someone was behind the ring of police." All the witnesses said that the demonstrators were concerned for the well-being of the collapsed man once they realized that there was an injured person.
Natalie Langford said "when the ambulance arrived the protestors got straight out of the way."
These witnesses are happy to give media statements.
They can be contacted through this press liasion email:
g20witnesses@gmail.com
See video of two of the witnesses giving their statement.
http://london.indymedia.org.uk/videos/1023
Witness report from G20 at EXCEL - 2 April 2009
The following report was sent to me from a fellow Green who attending the G20 protests at EXCEL yesterday.
After spending about an hour and a half at Excel, where there was a small STW demo, but not much sign of further protest, I joined the solidarity vigil outside Bank at 1pm this afternoon in memory of the fallen comrade who lost his life last night.
The vigil was quite an emotional occasion. I met up with some comrades who had been at climate camp last night and had witnessed first hand the events as they unfolded. Their stories I hope will be told, as they underline our worst fears about the oppressive and provocative tactics of the police. I salute the bravery and resolution of the climate campers, their courage should be an inspiration for us all. I heard emotional accounts of what really happened leading up to the tragic death last night. The story not told by the press or the police was that the protester was being chased by police dogs, fell and cracked his head. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and also with those who had witnessed the tragedy.
The vigil was well attended with a good few hundred people paying their respects, and placing personal messages on the boarding placed around a piece of architecture(?) outside the Bank. There was also a bit of a feeding frenzy of press and photographers, obviously looking for another bloody story and maybe some more confrontation between protesters and police. Eventually it appeared that the police might be looking for the same - their response was, like the previous day and in particular in the context of why we had gathered there today, wholly inappropriate.
A minutes silence was held, well observed by all who sat down, downed flags and removed hats to remember the fallen comrade; during the 'silence' the air was punctuated by the sound of police sirens and a helicopter hovering overhead. This was a sign of things to come.
Soon we were kettled in as police encircled the gathering. Police cossacks appeared in a show of force, but left after a while. Some mourners were becoming agitated, and there were chants of 'shame on you' aimed at the police. But there was no violence. However, eventually the police dogs were brought out as an intimidatory tactic, walked around the kettle for a bit then vanned off again. I could later hear them further up the road so I can only assume that other protesters were being harassed elsewhere.
Eventually some protesters decided to leave, but were being searched by the police as they left. The police closed in the kettle as people left and a few of us were left in a small space as the majority succumbed to the search in order to leave. 20 of us remained and sat down refusing to have to be searched. We calmly and peacefully discussed what we would all want to happen, a consensus was reached that we would all refuse to leave if we were to be searched and that we would be prepared to ba arrested. By this time we were just encircled by City of London Police, whose 'superior officer' was invited into the circle to address us. He informed us that a section 60 was in force in the City until 6am. After further discussion we decided that we would all be prepared to stay there until 6am. Further negotiation was attempted to allow us water and toilet facilities, but the request was refused.
By this time a small crowd was beginning to form around us and some people lobbed in some food for us, which was gratefully passed around. It was approaching half past five by now, and more people were gathering outside us, and a few pictures were being taken - the press vultures were still circling (apologies if anyone finds that description speciesist). Bemused city workers leaving work were curiously looking in, and taking a few of their own snaps for the family album. Then, all of a sudden the head copper came and told us that the police were going to let us go without being searched. Just like that. The police dispersed. We cheered and hugged one another as we realised that we had won. We gathered for a group photo and a wall of cameras recorded our joy for posterity. My fear is that this story of peaceful demonstration will be less than a footnote to the last couple of days as the press don't seem to want anything other than bloody anarchy and violence to scream out from their headlines.
But we will not forget. As we will not forget the fallen comrade to whom we dedicate this small victory for the right to peaceful protest without intimidation and fear of reprisal, violence and infringement of civil liberties. In what some still call a democracy. The tactics of the police seem to be increasingly aggressive and antagonistic and must be challenged. And let us not forget that the struggle goes on, the neoliberal overlords whom the police are defending are still making imperialistic decisions which affect all of our lives, for the worse, and that the mortal threat of climate change hangs heavy over us all. We should all take heart and courage and build momentum, to carry on the struggle, in memory of he who gave his life last night defending the right to protest, for a better future, and for all the countless forgotten victims across the globe who suffer and perish at the hands of capitalism each and every day.
-----
Further to this I read in the press that the man was "walking home from work".
What is the truth?
After spending about an hour and a half at Excel, where there was a small STW demo, but not much sign of further protest, I joined the solidarity vigil outside Bank at 1pm this afternoon in memory of the fallen comrade who lost his life last night.
The vigil was quite an emotional occasion. I met up with some comrades who had been at climate camp last night and had witnessed first hand the events as they unfolded. Their stories I hope will be told, as they underline our worst fears about the oppressive and provocative tactics of the police. I salute the bravery and resolution of the climate campers, their courage should be an inspiration for us all. I heard emotional accounts of what really happened leading up to the tragic death last night. The story not told by the press or the police was that the protester was being chased by police dogs, fell and cracked his head. My thoughts are with his family and friends, and also with those who had witnessed the tragedy.
The vigil was well attended with a good few hundred people paying their respects, and placing personal messages on the boarding placed around a piece of architecture(?) outside the Bank. There was also a bit of a feeding frenzy of press and photographers, obviously looking for another bloody story and maybe some more confrontation between protesters and police. Eventually it appeared that the police might be looking for the same - their response was, like the previous day and in particular in the context of why we had gathered there today, wholly inappropriate.
A minutes silence was held, well observed by all who sat down, downed flags and removed hats to remember the fallen comrade; during the 'silence' the air was punctuated by the sound of police sirens and a helicopter hovering overhead. This was a sign of things to come.
Soon we were kettled in as police encircled the gathering. Police cossacks appeared in a show of force, but left after a while. Some mourners were becoming agitated, and there were chants of 'shame on you' aimed at the police. But there was no violence. However, eventually the police dogs were brought out as an intimidatory tactic, walked around the kettle for a bit then vanned off again. I could later hear them further up the road so I can only assume that other protesters were being harassed elsewhere.
Eventually some protesters decided to leave, but were being searched by the police as they left. The police closed in the kettle as people left and a few of us were left in a small space as the majority succumbed to the search in order to leave. 20 of us remained and sat down refusing to have to be searched. We calmly and peacefully discussed what we would all want to happen, a consensus was reached that we would all refuse to leave if we were to be searched and that we would be prepared to ba arrested. By this time we were just encircled by City of London Police, whose 'superior officer' was invited into the circle to address us. He informed us that a section 60 was in force in the City until 6am. After further discussion we decided that we would all be prepared to stay there until 6am. Further negotiation was attempted to allow us water and toilet facilities, but the request was refused.
By this time a small crowd was beginning to form around us and some people lobbed in some food for us, which was gratefully passed around. It was approaching half past five by now, and more people were gathering outside us, and a few pictures were being taken - the press vultures were still circling (apologies if anyone finds that description speciesist). Bemused city workers leaving work were curiously looking in, and taking a few of their own snaps for the family album. Then, all of a sudden the head copper came and told us that the police were going to let us go without being searched. Just like that. The police dispersed. We cheered and hugged one another as we realised that we had won. We gathered for a group photo and a wall of cameras recorded our joy for posterity. My fear is that this story of peaceful demonstration will be less than a footnote to the last couple of days as the press don't seem to want anything other than bloody anarchy and violence to scream out from their headlines.
But we will not forget. As we will not forget the fallen comrade to whom we dedicate this small victory for the right to peaceful protest without intimidation and fear of reprisal, violence and infringement of civil liberties. In what some still call a democracy. The tactics of the police seem to be increasingly aggressive and antagonistic and must be challenged. And let us not forget that the struggle goes on, the neoliberal overlords whom the police are defending are still making imperialistic decisions which affect all of our lives, for the worse, and that the mortal threat of climate change hangs heavy over us all. We should all take heart and courage and build momentum, to carry on the struggle, in memory of he who gave his life last night defending the right to protest, for a better future, and for all the countless forgotten victims across the globe who suffer and perish at the hands of capitalism each and every day.
-----
Further to this I read in the press that the man was "walking home from work".
What is the truth?
Wednesday, 1 April 2009
The Fifth Horseman. Blue: Police Provocation
With over two million people now unemployed in the UK, climate chaos, rising inequality and the banking system in meltdown, everyday people seized the opportunity today to express their dissatisfaction to world leaders gathered in London for the G20 summit. Young, middle aged and elderly from all walks of life gathered to protest peacefully for change. Four marches took place to represent the four horsemen of the apocalypse. Red horse against War, green horse against Climate Chaos, silver horse against Financial Crimes and black horse against Land Enclosures and Borders. But the smiling faces that started marching cheerfully were carried away on a glum shuffle of frustration and despair. Some that were even broken and bloodied. Hopes dashed by violent and provocative tactics used by police in their attempts to contain demonstrators.
Myself and other Greens, including Cllr. Romayne Phoenix, joined the “Green Horseman” and peacefully left Liverpool Street. The march progressed, good humoured and with a carnival spirit accompanied by cheers from workman and passersby. Frogs, Pandas, Chickens and even the Cat in the Hat danced merrily along to cycle sound systems and drummers. We marched on into Princes Street and as the last of the line passed in we heard the wail of sirens behind. A line of Police rushed in behind to seal our flanks, swiftly followed by the Police vans emanating their wail.
The march paused for a moment. It was quite obvious that one could not leave through the Police line behind. “So”, we all thought. “This must be a tactic to keep the march moving”? As we could only move forward, the march carried on stopping and starting, due to the sheer volume of people, until we reached the Bank of England. Here we met with other Greens including Shan Oaks, Parliamentary Candidate against David Davis in the Haltemprice and Howden by-election. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful.
After a while, some of our party wanted to join the protest at the US embassy however, as it was now 1pm, we’d missed the start time. Instead we decided to head for Trafalgar Square and the STWC rally at 2pm. We looked for a quick exit. All exists seemed to have large crowds who where prevented from moving by lines of Police and Police vans. Very few people occupied Mansion House Street, so that’s where we headed, only to be greeted by a Police line. We approached them and asked to leave but were refused and told we could not leave until a Senior Officer had instructed the Police. Despite speaking, and making protestations to, the officer in charge, it was quite obvious we would not be allowed to leave. Several members of the crowd pointed out that the Police tactics were inflammatory, that they wanted to leave, and the Police tactics would obviously cause a panic. All protests were ignored. Cllr. Phoenix asked under what pretext we where all detained only to be told, “We don’t need one”.
The crowd hunkered down and decided to grin and bear it. Another crowd was opposite, again corralled by the Police. The crowds waved and cheered to each other to keep up moral. We where later joined by another Green, Payam Toyabi, from Tower Hamlets. Payam told us that he’d not been on any of the marches but decided to come along to the Bank of England. Despite entering easily, he was unable to leave from where he had entered and soon after joining the crowd witnessed a mounted police and baton charge. This police action then provoked the smashing of a window in the Royal Bank of Scotland. We had now been held for over an hour and continued to request release, only to be refused. We pointed out that pregnant women and children were being detained and requested for these to be allowed to leave. Again, we were refused. Requests for food and water where also refused.
Occasionally, Police in riot gear would be marched through the crowd opposite who would then stand facing the crowd for a couple of minutes and wade back in again. This was obviously an attempt to provoke the crowd into reacting. (We where told that we would be held as long as the senior officer thought the crowd was a threat. So when they’re quiet, provoke them with riot Police to agitate them and then you have a reason to hold them longer). People around me felt panicked, trapped, distressed and wanted to leave. Several girls behind me were obviously very afraid and wanted to leave. They didn’t want this; they had come to protest peacefully. A smartly dressed boy in his twenties was becoming very agitated and panicked. He approached the line and asked to leave but was refused. Moments later, in a blind panic, he rushed through the line. He was handled roughly by several officers including, I was shocked to see, one of two police medics! After several minutes the crowd was being pushed from behind. The only place to go was forward, into the police line. The numbers of people pushing forward in a non-violent way overwhelmed the police and some of the crowd was able to leave the area. Some protestors remained behind, unable to leave after the line regrouped and I understand that they were allowed to leave at 6:30 after having been forcibly detained by the Police for over 5 ½ hours without food, water or toiletry facilities.
I will be writing to Green Party Assembly Member and member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, Jenny Jones, to describe my personal experience of police violence and inappropriate tactics urge any other protestors present to do the same. The tactics used by the police caused widespread mayhem and panic and served to provoke a response allowing them to justify further detention. During the time that I was detained I spoke to Lawyers who advised that this incident should be followed up.
Myself and other Greens, including Cllr. Romayne Phoenix, joined the “Green Horseman” and peacefully left Liverpool Street. The march progressed, good humoured and with a carnival spirit accompanied by cheers from workman and passersby. Frogs, Pandas, Chickens and even the Cat in the Hat danced merrily along to cycle sound systems and drummers. We marched on into Princes Street and as the last of the line passed in we heard the wail of sirens behind. A line of Police rushed in behind to seal our flanks, swiftly followed by the Police vans emanating their wail.
The march paused for a moment. It was quite obvious that one could not leave through the Police line behind. “So”, we all thought. “This must be a tactic to keep the march moving”? As we could only move forward, the march carried on stopping and starting, due to the sheer volume of people, until we reached the Bank of England. Here we met with other Greens including Shan Oaks, Parliamentary Candidate against David Davis in the Haltemprice and Howden by-election. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful.
After a while, some of our party wanted to join the protest at the US embassy however, as it was now 1pm, we’d missed the start time. Instead we decided to head for Trafalgar Square and the STWC rally at 2pm. We looked for a quick exit. All exists seemed to have large crowds who where prevented from moving by lines of Police and Police vans. Very few people occupied Mansion House Street, so that’s where we headed, only to be greeted by a Police line. We approached them and asked to leave but were refused and told we could not leave until a Senior Officer had instructed the Police. Despite speaking, and making protestations to, the officer in charge, it was quite obvious we would not be allowed to leave. Several members of the crowd pointed out that the Police tactics were inflammatory, that they wanted to leave, and the Police tactics would obviously cause a panic. All protests were ignored. Cllr. Phoenix asked under what pretext we where all detained only to be told, “We don’t need one”.
The crowd hunkered down and decided to grin and bear it. Another crowd was opposite, again corralled by the Police. The crowds waved and cheered to each other to keep up moral. We where later joined by another Green, Payam Toyabi, from Tower Hamlets. Payam told us that he’d not been on any of the marches but decided to come along to the Bank of England. Despite entering easily, he was unable to leave from where he had entered and soon after joining the crowd witnessed a mounted police and baton charge. This police action then provoked the smashing of a window in the Royal Bank of Scotland. We had now been held for over an hour and continued to request release, only to be refused. We pointed out that pregnant women and children were being detained and requested for these to be allowed to leave. Again, we were refused. Requests for food and water where also refused.
Occasionally, Police in riot gear would be marched through the crowd opposite who would then stand facing the crowd for a couple of minutes and wade back in again. This was obviously an attempt to provoke the crowd into reacting. (We where told that we would be held as long as the senior officer thought the crowd was a threat. So when they’re quiet, provoke them with riot Police to agitate them and then you have a reason to hold them longer). People around me felt panicked, trapped, distressed and wanted to leave. Several girls behind me were obviously very afraid and wanted to leave. They didn’t want this; they had come to protest peacefully. A smartly dressed boy in his twenties was becoming very agitated and panicked. He approached the line and asked to leave but was refused. Moments later, in a blind panic, he rushed through the line. He was handled roughly by several officers including, I was shocked to see, one of two police medics! After several minutes the crowd was being pushed from behind. The only place to go was forward, into the police line. The numbers of people pushing forward in a non-violent way overwhelmed the police and some of the crowd was able to leave the area. Some protestors remained behind, unable to leave after the line regrouped and I understand that they were allowed to leave at 6:30 after having been forcibly detained by the Police for over 5 ½ hours without food, water or toiletry facilities.
I will be writing to Green Party Assembly Member and member of the Metropolitan Police Authority, Jenny Jones, to describe my personal experience of police violence and inappropriate tactics urge any other protestors present to do the same. The tactics used by the police caused widespread mayhem and panic and served to provoke a response allowing them to justify further detention. During the time that I was detained I spoke to Lawyers who advised that this incident should be followed up.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
