I write to add my voice to those sickened, but perhaps not surprised, by the behavior of those policing the G20 protests in London earlier this month, those supposed to serve the citizens of this country. Much has already been said of the manner in which City of London and Metropolitan police managed the climate change and anti-capitalist protests at the G20 summit on 1st and 2nd April. Sadly, and tragically, it took the death of an innocent passer-by to bring the appalling behavior of riot police and other officers into the media spotlight and to public attention. It is a disgrace that the police should behave in this way. It is disappointing that mainstream media did not see fit to highlight the violent actions of police officers until it emerged that Ian Tomlinson was assaulted by police shortly before he collapsed and died.

Ian Tomlinson’s death brought to light the widespread use of questionable police tactics. The peaceful climate camp on Bishopsgate in the City on 1st April was violently and aggressively broken up by police shortly after 7pm – shortly after most mainstream press covering the event had gone home. Lines of armed police in riot gear, faces masked by helmets and balaclavas, beat their way into the camp, forcing unarmed protesters back, trampling tents and other personal property. Many officers had their identification numbers concealed. Anti-terror legislation was used against protesters and official members of the press to prevent them from photographing and filming police actions. This is now reported in the more attentive media, who described the good-natured, festival-like atmosphere at this demonstration, contrasting it to the violent outbursts witnessed outside the Bank of England. But, where were the mainstream media when it happened? And why were there riot police policing a peaceful demonstration? These are, regrettably, rhetorical questions, and it is not acceptable that we expect to read them as such.

The absence of reporters and photographers from the mainstream news groups in the evening allowed police to peddle their version of events for some time. Fortunately, the events at the climate camp and at other protests that day are well documented by many independent journalists, protesters and members of the public, despite the efforts of the police. As a result, what many protesters know from experience to be standard police practice is now under public scrutiny. When, as is typical, events such as the G20 protest are reported as largely peaceful with disruption from a minority of troublemakers, credit is seldom given to the police for their part in the troublemaking. By excluding the voice of those subjected to police repression, dissent is marginalized and dismissed as a freak, minority view. Protest is demonized as the action of extremists and hooligans. Citizens who feel passionately about climate change, international trade or the recession are terrorized into staying at home, rather than voicing their concerns by publicly protesting.

Frequently, police brutality at protests is justified as action necessary to prevent unreasonable, violent demonstrators from wreaking havoc in the streets. It is supported by a few choice images showing a protester smashing a corporate window here, another retaliating against a police officer there. Too often this version of events is accepted as a true reflection of what happened. Climate change protesters remain painted as fringe anarchists, anti-globalization demonstrators stay firmly labeled as a dangerous minority, and the right-wing press can comfortably dismiss the arguments of these people as unreasonable, destructive fantasy. With this combination of aggressive, violent policing, and a complicit press, curtailment of civil liberties and stifling of freedom of speech goes unchecked. However, the role of demonstrators and members of the public as witnesses and journalists in our digital age is proving vital, and a voice to challenge orthodoxy and lethargy is emerging – one that allows debate, discussion and disagreement.

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