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Why was I stopped?
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Courier search
Socialist Worker, August 13, 2005
Letters - Why was I stopped?
I am a bicycle courier in London. Straight after work two weeks ago I
went to a picket outside Downing Street in memory of Jean Charles de
Menezes, the innocent man shot dead by police.
During the picket I made a call walking a away from the protest so I
could hear. Two police officers approached me and told me to end the
phone call.
They then asked me what the contents of my courier bag were. The
officers proceeded to search my bag. After the search I was asked my
name and address. I refused because they had not told me why they were
stopping and searching me.
I demanded to know under which law they had stopped me, which they
seemed unable to answer.
A third officer intervened and told me that under the Anti-Terrorism
Act 2000, I had to give my name and address or face arrest.
Reluctantly I complied. The first officers asked me if I would like a
receipt for the stop and search.
The receipt stated that I was suspicious because I had a CB radio and a
bag, which they knew are the tools of my trade. Maybe I was perceived
as a potential threat because I can be mistaken for a Brazilian.
Richard Garratt, East London
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