Two men are set to appear in court this week after being charged in connection with an altercation at Manchester Airport, which caused widespread public outrage.
The incident, which occurred in Terminal Two at Manchester Airport on July 23, 2024, gained significant attention after footage was shared online. The video, which went viral, appeared to show a Greater Manchester Police (GMP) officer kicking and stamping on the head of a man as he lay on the ground. The incident triggered protests and calls for an investigation into police conduct.
Mohammed Fahir Amaaz, 20, from Rochdale, is facing multiple charges, including two counts of causing actual bodily harm, one charge of assaulting an emergency worker, and one count of common assault. His co-defendant, Muhammed Amaad, 25, also from Rochdale, is charged with causing actual bodily harm.
The fracas is said to have unfolded after an earlier dispute between passengers on a Qatar Airways flight that arrived at Manchester Airport at 7.20 pm. The altercation reportedly escalated when passengers and police officers became involved in a confrontation.
As a result of the disturbance, GMP confirmed that one female officer sustained a broken nose, while two other officers were taken to hospital for treatment. However, prosecutors revealed that after a thorough investigation, experts concluded there was “no realistic prospect of conviction” for any of the police officers involved in the incident.
The incident sparked significant public debate, with many questioning the actions of the police officers involved. Footage of the altercation drew strong reactions online, and protests were organised in response to the treatment of the individual on the floor.
The case has drawn further attention due to concerns over police conduct and the escalating nature of airport-related disturbances. The public outcry following the release of the footage has highlighted the tensions between the public and the police, particularly regarding the use of force in arrest situations.
Despite calls for an independent investigation into the police officers’ actions, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) ultimately determined that there was insufficient evidence to pursue charges against the officers. This decision has sparked debate among legal experts and members of the public, some of whom feel that the police should have been held to account.
Following the investigation, both Amaaz and Amaad were formally charged with assault-related offences. Their appearance at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday will mark the next stage in the legal proceedings. The two men are expected to face questions about their involvement in the disturbance, and the case is likely to continue to attract significant media attention.
More Read
Legal experts and civil rights advocates have raised concerns that this incident may highlight a broader issue of police conduct during public disturbances. As the case unfolds, attention will turn to whether the justice system will hold individuals accountable for their actions during the altercation.
While the police officers involved in the incident will not face charges, the legal proceedings against Amaaz and Amaad will likely continue to draw public interest. The case may also prompt further discussions about how law enforcement handles disturbances in high-pressure environments such as airports.
The outcome of the court case will undoubtedly influence ongoing debates surrounding police conduct, the use of force, and the public’s confidence in the justice system. As the legal process moves forward, all eyes will be on Liverpool Magistrates’ Court as the two men face the charges levied against them.
In the meantime, the public remains divided over the events at Manchester Airport, with some calling for greater accountability from the police, while others argue that the individuals involved in the fracas must face the legal consequences of their actions. The case highlights the complex relationship between law enforcement and the public, particularly when it comes to maintaining order in high-stress situations.
