Ian Tomlinson: what hope for justice?

Not much, I would think. Ian Tomlinson is one of a growing number of people who have died after being assaulted by police officers during demonstrations, with no prosecution being taken. He was an innocent bystander at the G20 protests which took place in London in March 2009. The Director of Public Prosecutions announced last Friday that no action would be taken on a charge of manslaughter after video footage released by the Guardian showed an officer striking him from behind with a baton and pushing him to the ground. The police later lied about the circumstances of his death, claiming that they hadn't assaulted him and had helped him when it became clear he had collapsed.

It's not just the death of Ian, and the seeming immunity of police officers to prosecution which should concern us but the way in which peaceful protest is being increasingly criminalised. Protesters are being treated as if they are terrorists. The best recent example of this was when peaceful climate change protesters were harassed by police to the extent that loud music was played to keep them awake at night and even children's crayons were confiscated.

I wish Ian Tomlinson's family all the best with their continuing campaign to get justice for him. Eventually, they may have to bring a private prosecution. If you want to find out more, or help, you can visit their website here.