Black lawyer pinned down and ‘I Can’t Breathe’ pleas ignored

Black lawyer pinned down and ‘I Can’t Breathe’ pleas ignored

In a disturbing incident that echoes the murder of George Floyd, a black lawyer was pinned down and ignored his pleas of “I can’t breathe” during a security search at a court in London. Dele Johnson, 37, was allegedly wrestled to the ground by up to five court security guards after he refused to remove his shoes during a search at Stratford Magistrates’ Court.

Johnson, a defense solicitor, said the ordeal was like Floyd’s murder, who died while protesting “I can’t breathe” during a police arrest. “I never thought I’d also be saying ‘I can’t breathe’,” Johnson said. “I was just trying to do my job.”

The incident has sparked outrage and threats of a boycott from lawyers, who claim the security searches are invasive and discriminatory. Female lawyers have already protested against the “pat-down” searches at the court.

The court’s security protocols have come under scrutiny after Johnson’s alleged mistreatment. Lawyers are calling for an investigation into the incident and changes to the security procedures.

The incident has also raised questions about racial profiling and bias in the criminal justice system. “This is not just about a security search, it’s about systemic racism and bias,” said a civil rights activist. “We need to address the root causes of this issue, not just the symptoms.”

The court has yet to comment on the incident.

Source: Dailymail