Force accused over protest

Nov 1 2005 By Neil Elkes

A SIKH lawyer has launched a High Court challenge over police handling of protests against a controversial play at the Birmingham Rep Theatre.

The case challenges the handling of the first protest against the play Behzti which depicted acts of rape and violence in a Sikh temple.

It is claimed that police were heavy-handed in dealing with a peaceful protest on December 16. The protesters claim they were only handing out leaflets and talking to theatre goers.

They say several were arrested as police used anti-social behaviour regulations, designed to tackle Christmas binge drinkers, to disperse the protest. Campaigners say this was in breach of their Human Rights to peacefully protest.

Nusrat Chagtai of Public Interest Lawyers will make his case at the Royal Court of Justice on Thursday.

He said: "Parliament could not have intended that anti-social behaviour orders be used against peaceful protesters exercising their right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest under the Human Rights Act. In this case."

The campaigners have distanced themselves from protests on the following nights which erupted in violence after being hijacked by militant elements.

Producers cancelled the play following the protests.