Picture: Riot and riot police in Southampton, England
A murder is senseless, though rarely does it trigger a riot. The tragic killing of Henry Nowak several months ago sparked no protests. But the sense of outrage at the way he was treated by his murderer as well as by the police, caused a riot after the details of his case emerged in court and at trial. Henry Nowak, a young man of only eighteen, was stabbed many times by Vikram Singh Digwa, a twenty three year old Sikh. He carried a knive and sword as a right because of his religion. This has become relevant in the ensuing frenzy of reaction. Such weapons are not common and obviously lethal. The police on arriving at the scene of horror, believed the attacker not the victim, thinking the stabbed youth was the instigator. Shock waves at the nature of this travesty has led to riots in the city it took place. People in Southampton took to the streets. Political extremists have seized on it and expoit feelings of hatred and fear. The need for there to be a search for truth in any situation is evident here. The vile nature of the attack and the useless police reaction on that day, are not helped or saved by riots and violent responses with new victims. The UK is experiencing higher levels of division than in decades. We need peaceful reflection as well as rightfully, anger at injustice and this must come soon.
Author: LORENZO CHERIN
Lorenzo Cherin works as a freelance actor, writer, filmmaker, educator. He is a longstanding member, and In-House Writer and Co-Ordinator, of The Ustinov Prejudice Awareness Forum. In this capacity he also works in association with his partner, Lanechka Fevola, who contributes to projects in development and particularly her original art work, for the the Ustinov Forum.
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- Lorenzo Cherin works as a freelance actor, writer, filmmaker, educator. He is a longstanding member, and In-House Writer and Co-Ordinator, of The Ustinov Prejudice Awareness Forum. In this capacity he also works in association with his partner, Lanechka Fevola, who contributes to projects in development and particularly her original art work, for the the Ustinov Forum.
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