Watchdog tells British police to apologise over anti-terror raids : Melbourne Indymedia

London police have been told to apologise for "aggressive" tactics during anti-terror raids in which two Muslims were arrested and one was shot by officers, before being released without charge.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) says it has received 150 complaints from those affected by the "terrifying experience" when police burst into two houses in Forest Gate, east London, last June.

At least two of the 11 occupants were hit, one over the head, while the IPCC also received complaints about swearing, weapons being pointed and neglect of the arrested men while in custody.

Earlier this month, nine people were arrested in Birmingham, central England, in anti-terror raids.

Six men were charged, one over an alleged plot to kidnap and kill a British Muslim soldier, and three were released without charge.

One of those freed, Abu Bakr, later said that Britain had become a "police state" for Muslims and that British terror laws were "designed specifically" for them.

The Forest Gate raids, which sparked protests from thousands of local people in the ethnically mixed area, were carried out by police hunting for a suspected chemical bomb.

Two brothers, Mohammed Abdul Kahar and Abul Koyair, were arrested and Mr Kahar was shot accidentally by officers on a narrow staircase.

One officer has been given a written warning over a neglect allegation, but no officer will be prosecuted over three assault allegations, the IPCC said.

Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/200702/s1847114.htm