Scotland Yard is investigating a police officer for alleged racism after telling a pro-Kurd protester “You don't tell me what to do in my country.” PC Marcus Tyson, a constable with the Metropolitan Police was responding to the demonstrator who was screaming abuse to the policeman.
During the demonstration by the members of the Kurdish community last month, the PC told the activist “ get out of here”. PC Tyson has accused the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards (DPS) of “oppressive political correctness” for placing him on “restrictive duty” while it investigates to see for “gross misconduct”. The officer could lose his job if found guilty.
A video posted online of the demonstration on 14th August shows the police officer being verbally abused by the protestors with one saying “F*** the police.” He is then confronted by a woman, one of the event organisers to whom he says “You don't tell me what to do in my country.”
PC Tyson describes the Met’s actions to a “Stalinist thought police. The action the DPS has taken against me is so wildly over the top, it discredits the investigators and brings their judgment into question. I would like to know upon what basis they regard my statement as being racist - it is purely a statement of fact that this is my country.”
During the incident Tyson states some of the protestors were also chanting messages of support for the PKK and were blocking traffic, inducing an ambulance with “sirens blaring”. The activist made a formal complaint to the Met on 20th August. Last week Tyson was told has was being placed under investigation for “breaching the standards of professional behaviour” by “using discriminatory language” against the activist.
The Met confirmed the DPS is investigating Tyson but refused to comment further.
