Manchester – The Islamophobia Response Unit (IRU) calls on the Greater Manchester Police, Manchester Airport and all other relevant agencies to investigate the police brutality on an unarmed Muslim man at the airport today.
The recording clearly shows the man posed no threat to the police or anyone else, and we are appalled to see such actions, which we understand were perpetrated by the Greater Manchester Police.
The authorities must investigate this unprovoked attack properly, so that justice can be achieved and trust in police restored.
Majid Iqbal, CEO of the IRU, said:
“Police could have warned the man and sought compliance before taking any action. Because they did not do this, it is unclear what the purpose of their actions were. Muslims will rightly assume that this is a prime example of police brutality against Muslims in the UK.”
“This attack will not only result in physical injury to the man, but will also have a psychological impact on him – as well as on the broader Muslim community, who will view such police violence in the UK through the lens of whether the same thing would happen to us or those we love.”
“The incident demonstrates the anti-Muslim hatred that results from Islamomphobia in the UK, which is present both in broader media narratives and in structures such as the police. The Muslim community should not accept such behaviour and we welcome other calls for justice.”
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