Southampton, United Kingdom. Britain’s government on Wednesday condemned violent protests linked to the case of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, whose treatment by police after he was fatally injured has triggered national outrage and political debate. Home secretary Shabana Mahmood called the unrest “completely unacceptable” after clashes with police in Southampton.
Government response
Mahmood said there could be no justification for using the case to provoke violence and disorder. Her comments followed protests in the port city near where Nowak was killed last year.
The government welcomed a move by police chiefs to review guidelines that were introduced in response to documented incidents of racism in policing. However, it rejected claims that a “two-tier” system exists, an issue that has been widely discussed on social media.
Case and public reaction
The murder of Nowak has dominated headlines in Britain since the sentencing on Monday of his Sikh killer. The case drew particular attention after footage showed officers handcuffing Nowak as he lay dying after his attacker falsely alleged a racist attack.
Nowak’s family described the police treatment as “inhumane and degrading”. In a statement outside court, his father said his son’s death should not be used to create further division, hatred or tension.
Court pathologists found that Nowak would have died from his injuries at the scene regardless of the emergency response. Police later called an ambulance and performed CPR.
Political reaction and planned protest
A further protest was planned outside parliament in London at midday on Wednesday.
Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigrant Reform Party, said the case showed police gave preferential treatment to ethnic minorities and said people should respond with “pure cold rage”.
Elon Musk, the U.S. billionaire and critic of Britain’s government, police, and anti-racism and diversity policies, also posted repeatedly about the case. On Tuesday, he wrote: “Did you know that official police policy requires them to be racist against Whites?”
