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An anti-HS2 railroad activist whose head and back were knelt by police after he says he was thrown to the ground during a peaceful protest believes he was singled out because he is black. He filed a complaint for assault amid growing calls for action by the UK government on monitoring environmental protests.
Video footage shows William Harewood, the only person of color in a small group of activists on a detour in Wendover, Buckinghamshire, offering no resistance as Thames Valley police officers hold him upside down, two of whom are kneel on his head and back. while two others immobilize their legs with their knees. “We were trying to give food to the people locked up [devices protesters use to attach themselves to trees or buildings], and when I leaned forward to pick up a cup they threw me to the ground, “said Harewood, who is in his 30s and claimed that on that occasion in August he was chosen because of his race, but added that activists of all backgrounds were attacked during HS2 protests.
Harewood spoke last week from 20 meters up in a tree in Jones Hill Wood, south of Wendover, where activists were locked in a standoff with police and sheriffs trying to evict them from makeshift tree houses. By Thursday night, Thames Valley Police climbers had cleared the site and arrested nine activists, including him.
The ancient forest, home to badgers and bats and known as “Roald Dahl’s forest” because it inspired the author’s most beloved stories, including Fantastic Mr. Fox, is the last front line in a battle between environmental activists and the police and private security companies. Activists say their lives are in danger.
The monitoring of environmental protests in the UK is the subject of a new report sent to UN rapporteurs on the environment and human rights and shown exclusively to the Observer. It includes dozens of interviews and alleges 400 incidents of police officers using unwarranted aggressive behavior to deter protesters against shale fracking and the HS2 railway line. The report concludes that around 10% of reports could constitute actual bodily harm.
The report, from Global Diligence LLP, was commissioned by campaign group Not1More and looks at how the UK complies with the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. It claims that the British police have systematically violated the rights of protesters under international law and targeted people on the basis of gender and disability.
“A pattern of police behavior in suppressing environmental protests across the UK through unnecessary and disproportionate violence, intimidation and judicial harassment appears to be indicative of a state policy to discourage people from exercising their fundamental freedoms of assembly and expression, “says the report. . He adds that the strategy has a “paralyzing effect” on the protesters and asks the UN to investigate.
Most of the accusations by HS2 activists cite incidents involving National Eviction Team (NET) bailiffs who, often in the presence of the police, are sent to remove “tree protectors” in some of the 108 ancient forests. to be felled along the HS2 route.
On Thursday, four NET workers were reportedly suspended following allegations of a serious assault on activists in Leamington on October 4. A spokesperson for HS2 said: “We are aware of this incident. It does not involve HS2 Ltd staff. “NET was contacted for comment but did not respond.
Activists said few of the complaints were followed up. Namiah Rudd claimed that he was knocked unconscious and that a guard from another private security company fractured his collarbone on July 23 at the Harvil Road camp near Uxbridge. He said police cited a lack of evidence, despite the guard carrying a body camera.
A spokesperson for HS2 said: “HS2 workers and Senior Justice Officials (HCEOs) have carried out evictions with total professionalism in the face of extreme intimidation and criminal behavior. The behavior of the trespassers, many of whom are breaching the conditions of their bail, is often deceptive, with false claims of assault and misleading about the project. “
Sebastian Sandys of HS2 Rebel-lion, who is calling on parliament to instruct HS2 not to use NET bailiffs or HCEOs against activists, said the biggest concern was the use of private security companies: “Parliament must intervene to stop the violence and intimidation by security personnel, who are ultimately responsible to the secretary of transportation. “
The Not1More report identifies the use of civil injunctions and bail conditions that include exclusion orders as part of a police pattern that uses civil courts and the criminal justice system to suppress protests. This includes the use of Covid-19 laws, as well as multiple arrests on charges that are immediately dropped.
Thames Valley Police said in a statement: “Images that are known to us show officers following the standard procedure used when a person resists arrest. We sThey flatly refute the allegation that our officers put a knee to the neck of any individual in this protest. Our agents monitor the impact of the construction of the HS2 rail without any favor. We will continue to work to provide public safety for all. At the same time, we will facilitate peaceful protest and also HS2’s rights to conduct legitimate business. “
