Northamptonshire Police in the UK have been accused of using excessive force in the arrest of a Black university student named Santino on 8th August. A video posted by him on his X account (@Santino1o) shows CCTV footage of a police officer in plain clothes chasing him before pinning him down. Shortly after, other policemen arrive on the scene and help to handcuff him. Santino claims he was injured in the encounter and that the rough treatment continued at the police station. He says that he was helping a homeless man, but the police, suspecting him of being a drug dealer, pursued and arrested him.
The incident has reignited discussion about police conduct and treatment of minorities. Santino’s experience comes in the wake of anti-immigrant riots that rocked the UK in late July and early August. Black and Asian UK residents were attacked and racially abused by anti-immigration mobs, while some had their property and businesses vandalised.
What’s your reaction to Santino’s experience? Let us know.
Video credits: @theshadesborogh and @Santino1o