Shameem Akhtar Tasered At Manchester Airport Amid Police Altercation

A shocking incident unfolded at Manchester Airport on July 23, when a 56-year-old British-Pakistani grandmother, Shameem Akhtar, was reportedly struck in the face with a taser by a police officer. This occurred moments after the officer allegedly kicked and attempted to stamp on her son, Fahir Amaaz, who was lying motionless on the ground. The family’s lawyer, Aamer Anwar, has described the events as traumatic and has called for accountability from the police.

The incident began when Akhtar and her two sons, Fahir Amaaz, 19, and Muhammad Amaad, 25, arrived at the airport to welcome their mother back from Pakistan. A video circulating on social media captured the moment when the police attempted to restrain the brothers, leading to a chaotic scene where two female officers were knocked to the ground. Following this, Amaaz was tasered, and Akhtar was injured while trying to protect her son.

During a press conference, Anwar expressed the family's devastation, stating that they had been subjected to “horrific, racist and Islamophobic abuse on social media.” He emphasized that the brothers have no criminal history and that some family members are serving police officers themselves. Photographs shared at the conference showed bruising on Akhtar’s face, which she sustained during the incident.

According to Anwar, Akhtar was terrified for her son’s life during the altercation, believing that the officer could have killed him. After being struck in the face with the taser, Akhtar was left bleeding and disoriented, with no officers attending to her injuries. A passer-by eventually helped her, as she and her distressed six-year-old grandson were left alone with their luggage.

In the aftermath, a police officer was suspended, and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) announced a criminal investigation into the officer involved. Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham urged the public to allow the authorities to conduct their investigations without interference.

Anwar is seeking further discussions with the IOPC and the mayor regarding a formal complaint against the police. He acknowledged the important role of the police in society but insisted that they must be held accountable when they act improperly. He also highlighted that Akhtar had faced a “tirade of alleged racist abuse” from a fellow passenger on her flight, which may have contributed to the distressing events that followed.

This incident raises significant concerns about police conduct and the treatment of individuals from minority backgrounds. It serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability and the need for law enforcement to act within the bounds of the law. As the investigation continues, the family hopes for justice and a thorough examination of the events that transpired at Manchester Airport.