Tuesday, June 23, 2009

What happens when you ask a policeman for his badge number

Two women who claim they were unlawfully arrested during the Kingsnorth Climate Camp are set to make a complaint to the police watchdog. Val Swain and Emily Apple say they were pinned down after they asked an officer to reveal his identity in August.

They believe they were detained because they campaign against police surveillance at demonstrations.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) confirmed on Monday that it had received a complaint.



Ms Swain, 43, from Cardiff, is believed to have been arrested on suspicion of assault and obstruction and Ms Apple, 33, from Cornwall, for obstruction at the climate camp protest near Hoo last year.

Footage of the arrests appears to show the pair being pushed to the ground and having pressure applied to their necks by officers.

Prior to their arrests Ms Apple is seen asking a West Yorkshire Police officer to reveal his badge number.

No comments: