Swansea mother traumatized after wrongful arrest under Terrorism Act
- Emma Kamio was arrested under the Terrorism Act and held in a police cell for five days.
- She described the conditions during her detention as horrific, including being denied legal representation.
- The incident has sparked public concern about the abuse of counter-terrorism legislation in the UK.
In August 2024, Emma Kamio, a 57-year-old mother from Swansea, was arrested under the Terrorism Act due to her daughter's alleged involvement in a protest against an Israeli arms manufacturer, Elbit Systems UK. During the arrest, Kamio was led away in handcuffs in front of her family and neighbors, and her electronics were confiscated. Following her arrest, she was held in a poorly maintained custody cell for five days, without adequate access to legal representation and subjected to harsh treatment, which she described as 'psychological torture.' This incident has raised questions about the use of counter-terrorism measures and the impact of overpolicing in the UK. After her release, Kamio was left without her personal belongings and has since voiced concerns about the lasting effects of this traumatic experience on her life and family. The investigation into her arrest continues amid complaints filed against the police for their actions during this incident.