Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of Manchester to protest against the treatment of two brothers who were arrested at Manchester Airport. The protests caused disruptions to traffic and trams in the city, with people demanding justice for the brothers who were seen being kicked and stamped on by a police officer in a viral video. The brothers, Fahir and Amaad Khan, were arrested after an incident at the airport, during which three police officers were injured.
The Greater Manchester Police has since suspended one officer involved in the incident, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is investigating after receiving referrals from the force. The protesters marched towards the Town Hall, holding signs that read ‘Stop Police Brutality’ and ‘GMP is racist.’ They demanded that the officers involved be sacked, chanting ‘We want them sacked’ and ‘No Justice, No Peace.’
The lawyer representing the brothers claimed that Fahir had been diagnosed with a cyst on the brain after feeling unwell following his arrest. The cause of the cyst has not been determined, but it can be caused by injuries or other underlying conditions. The family of the brothers has expressed concerns about their health and well-being, calling for justice to be served.
In response to the protests, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, called for calm and urged the public to allow the investigation to proceed. He acknowledged that the footage of the incident was disturbing but emphasized the need for a fair and thorough investigation. The Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, also expressed concern over the video and supported the investigation into the officers’ conduct.
The protests outside Rochdale Police Station continued into the night, with demonstrators throwing eggs at the building and building barricades to block the entrance. The protesters accused the police of racism and demanded accountability for the officers’ actions. The IOPC has vowed to conduct a robust investigation into the incident, gathering witness testimonies and analyzing video footage.
The protests have sparked a national conversation about police conduct and accountability. Former officials and community leaders have condemned the actions of the officers in the video, calling the use of force excessive and unjustified. The police officers involved in the incident have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation, and the public is awaiting further updates on the case.
As the investigation unfolds, it is essential for transparency and accountability to be upheld to ensure that justice is served for the Khan brothers and their family. The protests in Manchester highlight the importance of addressing police brutality and systemic racism within law enforcement agencies. The community’s demand for justice and accountability is a powerful call for change and reform within the police force.
