Police defend Viraj Mendis arrest

Title

Police defend Viraj Mendis arrest

Genre

Interview

TX Date

19 Jan 1989

Year of production

1989

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Duration

00:02:13

Description

Assistant Chief Constable of Greater Manchester Police, David Phillips defends his officers’ actions during the arrest of Sri Lankan (failed asylum seeker?) Viraj Mendis, who was seized in a church and is now awaiting deportation. There were mass demonstrations during the police operation, but Phillips claims that despite the public outcry, his men acted professionally. Male reporter not identified.

Contributors

Piccadilly Radio; David Phillips

Keywords

Deportation; Police; UK; Immigration; Demonstrations; Manchester; Policing practice; Refugees; Ethnic groups; Churches; Sri Lanka; Asylum seekers; Arrests; Greater Manchester Police; Tamils; Viraj Mendis

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