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UK police face backlash over handcuffing dying student
🇸🇬 Singapore /Crime & Justice

UK police face backlash over handcuffing dying student

From CNA · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • British police are facing criticism after an 18-year-old student, Henry Nowak, was handcuffed while dying from stab wounds.
  • The situation was exacerbated when the killer, Vickrum Digwa, falsely claimed a racist attack, leading to accusations that fear of being labeled racist influenced police actions.
  • The case has ignited a national debate on race, policing, and the potential for political exploitation of tragedy, with calls for calm and equality before the law.

British police are under intense scrutiny following the death of 18-year-old student Henry Nowak, who was handcuffed while lying on the ground, bleeding from stab wounds. The incident, which occurred in Southampton last December, has sparked a national backlash, particularly after Nowak's killer, Vickrum Digwa, falsely accused him of a racist attack.

I've been stabbed and I can't breathe.

— Henry NowakSaid by the student as he lay on the street after being stabbed.

Bodycam footage revealed Nowak repeatedly stating he had been stabbed and could not breathe, while an officer's response suggested disbelief. This has fueled outrage and accusations that the police prioritized avoiding accusations of racism over addressing the immediate medical emergency. Nigel Farage, leader of the anti-immigration Reform party, seized on the case, claiming the "fear of being called racist was greater than dealing with Henry Nowak’s murder."

I don't think you have mate.

— Police OfficerResponse to Nowak saying he had been stabbed.

The case has stirred racial tensions across Britain, with anti-immigrant activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon planning a protest. Judge William Mousley acknowledged the sensitivity surrounding race in his sentencing of Digwa to life in prison. Digwa, a Sikh man, claimed his turban was knocked off during the altercation, and he had an eye injury, while also stating he was permitted to carry a ceremonial dagger.

The fear of being called racist was greater than dealing with Henry Nowak’s murder.

— Nigel FarageReform party leader commenting on the police response.

Cabinet Office minister Nick Thomas-Symonds described the police conduct at the scene as "shocking." However, Britain's interior minister, Shabana Mahmood, urged calm and stressed equality before the law, while acknowledging the footage was "disturbing and tragic." She condemned those who "seek personal political profit from tragedy" and warned against overcorrection in policing that could undermine citizens' equal rights. The family of Henry Nowak also called his treatment "inhumane and degrading" but urged against using his death to foster division.

The conduct of the police when you look at it at the scene is shocking.

— Nick Thomas-SymondsCabinet Office minister commenting on the police actions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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