Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is set to announce a private prosecution against two individuals involved in a brawl at Manchester Airport in July. The incident, which sparked widespread
protests against police brutality, has become a flashpoint for Farage's criticism of what he calls "two-tier policing."
The Reform UK leader plans to address the issue publicly tomorrow, condemning the lack of charges against those involved in the altercation. Farage described the situation as a glaring example of unequal treatment under the law, contrasting it with the swift prosecution of individuals involved in race riots earlier this year.
“If this isn’t two-tier policing and two-tier justice under two-tier Keir, I don’t know what is,” Farage said during a recent podcast appearance, referring to Labour leader Keir Starmer.
The Incident at Manchester Airport
The altercation occurred in July and was partially captured on video, which later went viral. The footage showed an armed police officer appearing to assault 19-year-old Fahir Muhammed Amas during an attempted arrest of his brother, Amad. The situation escalated further when additional videos revealed that police officers had been assaulted earlier, leaving one officer with a broken nose and another injured on the ground.
The Amas family's solicitor alleged that the boys' mother was struck in the face and subjected to racial abuse by an officer prior to the filming. The incident has since fueled accusations of police misconduct and racial discrimination.
Farage’s Legal Move
Four months after the incident, with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) yet to announce any charges, Farage has retained legal counsel to bring a private prosecution against the two brothers. A source close to Farage criticized the delay, saying, “It’s November, and no charges have been laid. Meanwhile, individuals on the Right who posted unpleasant comments online were jailed almost instantly. This is clear evidence of a two-tier justice system.”
Farage elaborated on his concerns during a podcast with Winston Marshall, former guitarist of Mumford & Sons. He criticized the portrayal of the incident, arguing that the video showing an officer stamping on a suspect failed to provide full context. “Of course he was stamping on him,” Farage said. “The officer had a gun in his hand and couldn’t risk losing control of it.”
The officer involved claimed he was disoriented after being struck multiple times and believed the suspect had taken his weapon. However, there is no evidence to support claims that either suspect was armed.
Ongoing Investigations and CPS Response
The CPS stated that it is reviewing evidence and working with Greater Manchester Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct as investigations continue. A spokesperson added, “We are considering material and providing advice in relation to a series of alleged criminal offences at Manchester Airport.”
Farage highlighted the contrast between this case and the immediate arrests and sentencing following riots in Southport earlier this year. “We are in November, and the CPS has laid no charges,” he said. “Compare that to the swift action taken in Southport. If this isn’t proof of two-tier policing, I don’t know what is.”
Controversy Ahead?
The CPS has the authority to intervene in private prosecutions and discontinue them, a move that could ignite further controversy. For now, Farage’s decision to pursue legal action underscores his broader campaign against what he perceives as systemic inequalities in the justice system. Photo by Owain.davies, Wikimedia commons.