Help my police brutality case proceed

by Hannah Bright in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

Help my police brutality case proceed

Total raised £2,333

£1,500 target 14 days left
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Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 22nd February 2025 at 8:39pm

Help me cover legal and medical costs in an ongoing lawsuit against Police Scotland for assault and unlawful imprisonment

by Hannah Bright in Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom

In July 2023, I was arrested at the Scottish Coronation celebration in Edinburgh. Whilst standing along the royal mile, myself and one other person (wearing This is Rigged t-shirts) were recognised by police for prior involvement in protest, taken aside and warned to leave the area, but told we were free to go. Minutes later, different officers arrested us as we exited a caffe nero. No crime had been committed and we were not provided with any reason for our arrest for the hour we were detained in an alleyway or once we arrived in custody, despite asking repeatedly. 

At the custody desk, I was told by the sergeant that a strip search had been authorised. Having not been given a reason for my arrest, or a reason why a strip search was necessary, I believed this to be unlawful. Under Scottish law, if you do not give your consent to be strip searched the police have to seek a warrant - they cannot force you to comply. When I was told about the strip search I asked to speak to my lawyer and was refused, repeatedly asked why one was necessary and was not given a reason, and when I said that I would not consent to the strip search I was grabbed by 8-10 officers, handcuffed and dragged down a hallway by the tops of my arms with my shoulder twisted backwards, screaming in pain. I was then left lying face down on the floor of a cell, in a stress position with my hands still cuffed behind my back, unable to move and with the position restricting my airways. I was left that way for a significant chunk of time, in severe pain and lying in a pool of tears.

Throughout the several hours that followed, I was repeatedly subjected to degrading treatment from numerous (largely male) officers. I was continually denied access to my lawyer (told I could speak to her if I consented to the strip search) and, when I pleaded to see a nurse as I had significant cuts and bruises from being dragged to the cell and I believed my shoulder to be dislocated I was told I could see one 'when my attitude improved' and if I 'behaved myself.' These were insidious and intentionally degrading comments clearly aimed at forcing me to comply with a strip search that did not appear to be lawful. 

When the shift changed in the police station, it became increasingly clear that there was uncertainty amongst the officers and custody staff themselves as to why I was being held, and why I was being detained as I was - still handcuffed and under constant observation.

I was released from St Leonard's police station after seven hours, charged with Breach of the Peace, which had not been provided as the reason for our arrest previously. The case was dropped prior to our first scheduled court appearance several weeks later.

It likely goes without saying, but these events have had a significant impact on my life and mental health since. In the year following, they led me to take a year out of university in addition to significantly impacting my ability to perform at work. I am still struggling with the emotional and psychological aftermath.

I currently have an ongoing civil suit (represented by Aamer Anwaar & Co) against the police for assault, unlawful imprisonment and breach of human rights. I'm not able to provide too much detail about the case itself, as the proceedings are ongoing and I don't want to risk prejudicing my case. However, in order for the case to proceed past this point I need to raise £1500 to cover legal and court-related medical costs. As a student and minimum-wage worker, with other outstanding legal costs for prior involvement in non-violent direct action, I'm not in a position to cover these kinds of costs, and I do not want this to result in me having to drop the case. Any money you could spare would be so hugely appreciated - if you can't, sharing this round would be a massive help too.

I am in an incredibly privileged position to be able to be legally represented in this matter, and I am acutely aware that my case is only the tip of the iceberg. I feel it is the right thing to do to try and hold Police Scotland accountable for violent and misogynistic policing - if what happened to me can shine a light on this issue or effect some small positive change, then it's worth trying. Legal recompense will not fix the harm that was done, and being forced to relive the events throughout the course of this case has been incredibly difficult, but in the choice between staying silent and seeking accountability, I choose the latter.

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