Green and Black Cross today launched the appeals and witness section of their website in an attempt to challenge police misconduct during student demonstrations over the recent weeks.

The website contains pleas for information relating to incidents of police brutality. One girl who contacted GBC described how an officer “pulled out a huge chunk of my hair”. Extremely shaken by the actions she said “I fell to the floor as he stood in front of me, holding a huge clump of my hair, visibly pleased with himself.” The officer is reported to be SX185 and the incident occurred at 4pm on Broad Sanctuary, the road leading to Victoria Street from parliament Square.

GBC would also like to gather any statements from those who were crushed in the kettle at the end of the night on Westminster Bridge. The kettling tactic was part of Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) report into the policing of the G20 protests last year in which Ian Tomlinson was killed. The report, Adapting to Protest, said that kettling was consistent with the police's legal obligations however recommended “provisions to let vulnerable and distressed individuals leave a kettle, better police communication to protesters about when a kettle is to be imposed and available exits, likely duration and proper respect for the 'UK press card' to allow free movement of journalists.”

The HMIC also called for a review of certain forms of police violence used in demonstrations, recommending review into the use of police baton raised above the head, leading to the brain haemorrhage of Alfie Meadows on Thursday, and the use of shields as a weapon, leading to a missing tooth from one protester appearing on the GBC website.

Green and Black Cross is volunteer run and established recently out of a need for support in the emerging and energetic student movement. GBC is not aligned to any political doctrine or Party instead believing in mutual aid and collective empowerment.

Please check the website  http://greenandblackcross.org/legal/appeals to see if you witnessed any of the incidents. Get in touch if you would like them to make an appeal on your behalf.

Solidarity with the accused and the arrested. Strength in the Streets!

 GBCLegal@riseup.net
07946 541511