Black youth worker Tasered by City of London police wins appeal for damages

In April 2018, Edwin Afriyie, a black youth and community worker, was driving friends home from a party when he was pulled over by police in the City of London under allegations of speeding. The police stopped him during a routine check but ended up Tasered him while he was standing still with his arms folded, leading to a subsequent head injury when he fell. Afriyie reported feeling that the police had treated him unfairly, and he believed the incident was racially motivated despite his legal claim not addressing discrimination directly. Over the following years, Afriyie pursued legal action against the City of London police, first ruled against him by a judge who cited his larger size and apparent agitation as justification for the Taser's use. However, Afriyie's legal team argued effectively that the police's belief of threat or necessity for force was not reasonable, emphasizing that he posed no risk at the time of the incident. As the appeal case advanced, judges agreed with this stance, declaring that the use of a Taser on Afriyie was inappropriate and excessive given the non-threatening position he was in during the encounter. The court's ruling recognized that Tasers are potentially lethal weapons and must only be employed when absolutely warranted. Following the verdict, Afriyie expressed relief but also frustration regarding the extended duration of the legal battle and the emotional toll it took on him and his family. The case highlights ongoing concerns about police conduct and the treatment of black individuals in law enforcement situations in the UK.