Met Police Settle With Reporters Arrested During London Black Lives Matter Protests

The three journalists took the Metropolitan Police to court over their arrest at a Black Lives Matter protest in 2014. (Photo by Vuk Valcic / SOPA Images/Sipa USA)(Sipa via AP Images)

London’s Metropolitan Police apologised and settled with three journalists almost a decade after they were detained while covering a Black Lives Matter protest, reports the Press Gazette.

The incident, which occurred in December 2014 at the Westfield Shopping Centre in Shepherd’s Bush, saw video journalist Jason Parkinson, photographer Jess Hurd, and an unnamed photojournalist—all members of the National Union of Journalists—stopped from covering the demonstration which was a response to the death of American citizen Eric Garner in New York City.

Garner’s death in a police chokehold sparked global outrage and protests. Approached by New York Police Department officers on suspicion of selling single cigarettes he was arrested and pinned to the ground. He was ignored as he repeatedly shouted “I can’t breathe” until he passed out. His last words became the slogan in the Black Lives Matter protest movement that followed.

The Press Gazette reports that the Met’s settlement comes after a prolonged legal battle, exacerbated by the apparent loss of key evidence, leading to a nine-year delay.

The journalists were among hundreds at the protest where they were confined, filmed while reading out their press cards, and then instructed to leave, preventing their reportage on the arrest of 76 protesters. Hurd also reported being struck in the face by an officer during the lead-up to their detention.

In a statement a spokesperson said: “The Met absolutely recognises the rights of the media and has worked hard over many years with members of the NUJ to establish mutual professional working arrangements through agreed protocols and guidelines. These materials include training videos and briefings for officers at the beginning of their career, and throughout, on the role of the media and the UKPCA press card. We continue to value our ongoing discussions with the NUJ and their members.”