Since the G20 protests the authors of this blog have watched, with concern, the developing story about the circumstances before the death of Ian Tomlinson. It started with the news of a death while the police operation was still ongoing. Soon after, there were claims from people who attended the protests that Mr Tomlinson had been assaulted by police. Then people started to come forward and offer witness statements.
It would have been easy to offer comment about the allegations early on and rush in to join the initial condemnation. It is all too easy to be stereotypical and pre-judge claims or assertions made by groups or organisations. But generally these days evidence tends to emerge that gives a more clear picture of what has taken place.
It is far better to comment once you have a better understanding of what has taken place. Now that some video evidence has emerged about what Ian Tomlinson experienced that evening, we can comment on something more than word of mouth claims or official statements.
Before we do, consider for a moment that government has a responsibility to enact laws that are just and reasonable. Not all laws are just and reasonable. For example, this video evidence would not have existed had the rules relating to the photography of police officers been followed. The balance between individual freedom and state control has tipped too far in the wrong direction.
What the video evidence shows is nothing short of sickening. There was absolutely no reason at all for a police officer to step forward, appear to strike Mr Tomlinson across the legs then push him violently to the ground. The actions of that police officer were more than reprehensible, they were criminal. Because that is what assault is, a criminal act. No uniform or warrant card gives a person the right to attack a law abiding citizen in this way.
Ian Tomlinson was assaulted as he shuffled along, his hands in his pockets and his back to the police who were obstructing his lawful attempts to make his way home from where he helped sell newspapers. There is absolutely no justification for what happened. The footage shows Mr Tomlinson did not threaten officers. He did not assault anyone. It was not an act of self defence. It was not an attempt to prevent a crime taking place. It was a violent act of bullying by an individual who considered themselves at that moment to be above the law.
One of the seven principles of a free society is the Rule of Law. It must be vigorously and fairly enforced and apply to all without exception. There is no place in a civilised or free society for the rule of law to be arbitrarily discarded on a whim by those we employ to uphold it and who should set a example to be followed. The police are not above the law, and that minority of officers who undermine the decent majority of officers who execute their duties honourably, must feel the full weight of the law when they break it.
The police officer who attacked Ian Tomlinson must be brought to justice swiftly so that law and order in this land can be upheld.
