A Daily Mirror reporter has been the victim of police aggression after beating protesters at a rally against a law restricting the right of citizens to protest
The incident was reported by the victim himself, journalist Matthew Dresh. He shared a video from his camera on social networking site. The footage showed Dresh standing at one side of the security forces marching along the street, armed with batons and shields. As he approached the journalist, one of the policemen, without any reason, started beating the man with his truncheon. He was then joined by others.
“The police attacked me during a protest in Bristol even though I told them I was from the press. I was respectfully observing what was going on and was not a threat to any of the officers”, – the journalist said.
The local police have already commented on the situation. They said they were aware of the incident and were trying to contact the victim.
“We are aware of a video of a journalist confronting police officers during a protest in Bristol yesterday. We are trying to contact him. A free press is a cornerstone of our democracy and we fully respect the vital role of the media in fair and accurate reporting”, – a police statement said.
As News Front previously reported, a rally of many thousands was held in Bristol the previous day, ending in clashes with police. A video from the scene showed law enforcers beating protesters with batons and shields, and setting dogs on them. Despite the aggression of the security forces, they were publicly supported by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.