Editor-in-Chief of The Myriad News Celine Park reports on a London police officer who placed his knee on a Black man’s neck, a scenario far too similar to the murder of George Floyd.
By Celine Park
London police brutality disturbingly resembles the George Floyd’s murder
An officer of the London Metropolitan Police was suspended for kneeling on a Black man’s neck, a disturbing scenario that mirrors the killing of George Floyd in late May this year.
The man in the video, Marcus Coutain, 45, was pressed to the ground by two officers after a report of a fight in the area. Coutain apparently “fit the description” of a man carrying a dangerous weapon. The second officer was also removed from duty.
A 2 minute and 20 second video clip shows the white officer kneeling while the Black man repeatedly shouts “I haven’t done anything wrong… get off my neck”, while one of the white officers shouts back “are you going to behave yourself?”
Public officials condemn the tactics police used to arrest Coutain
In a public statement, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Steve House condemned the violent way the incident was handled.
“Some of the techniques used cause me great concern,” House said. “They are not taught in police training.″
The incident brought to light systemic racism in the country, as handcuffing and searches are more likely to occur in Black, Asian or other ethnic minority populated areas.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan also condemned the actions of the white police officers, additionally promising a transparent investigation process.
“I welcome the fact the incident has been reviewed quickly by the Met and it’s right that they have referred it to the IOPC,″ Khan said. “I look forward to a swift and thorough independent investigation, with all decisions made public.”