Police criticized for hostile behavior during student demo in London
The British police have come under harsh criticism for their hostile behavior during Wednesday’s student protest against the government’s plans to cut education grants.
The student demonstration for the most part was peaceful non-violent but a large police presence was seen when protesters headed to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Scuffles broke out between students and police officers there.
Members of the public, protesters and politicians have termed the incident as unwanted saying for majority of students it was a moment of confusion.
Officers temporarily managed to kettle protesters and as demonstrators escaped, the tension and drama increased. Cue scores of officers running around central London trying to corner protesters. It led to a chase towards Vauxhall Bridge and along the way; members of the public became caught in the proceedings. An eyewitness told the scenes made him feel less trustful of the police.
Many people recorded video of what they perceived to be excessive force by police officers.
Organizers say more than ten-thousand students took part in the protest against the government’s planned education cuts. Protesters were also joined by politicians in believing the police presence was excessive.
Press TV's correspondent filmed police making arrests of a number of protesters. Police sources claim the arrests were made after the protesters attempted to gain entry to the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
Fees for university students in England were introduced in 1998. But the latest measure to cut student grants has angered many across Britain. Students say the plan will deter the poor from attending university.
The leader of the opposition Labour Party Jeremy Corbyn also backed the demonstration. Corbyn had earlier said that plans for education cuts would lead to QUOTE scapegoating and deportation of international students.
Six months of rallies in London: Thousands call for Gaza ceasefire
Pro-Palestine activists paint UK Labour Party office red
20% of teachers in England physically assaulted by students in 2023: Study
'UN double standards': Iran criticizes silence over US campus crackdowns
Fight for Sudan's El-Fasher sparks concerns over 'large-scale massacre'
VIDEO | Ban Israel from FIFA
US Congress threatens ICC with retaliation over arrest warrants for Israeli officials
Gaza aid flotilla delayed after Guinea Bissau withdraws amid Israel pressure
VIDEO | ‘City of ghosts': UNRWA says shocked by extent of Gaza devastation as death toll rises
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | IRAN EXPO 2024 spotlights free trade zones
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
