Police Apology After Protest Incident Review
Police Scotland has issued a formal apology to a prominent women's rights campaigner who was accused of damaging a rainbow umbrella during a heated protest outside the Scottish Parliament. Susan Smith, a director of For Women Scotland, had been asked to attend a police station to face potential vandalism charges following a complaint made against her.
The Confrontation and Complaint
The incident occurred during the 'Women Won't Wait' event outside Holyrood in September, which featured several high-profile speakers including Tracey Edwards, Joanna Cherry, KC, and MSPs Pam Gosal and Ash Regan. The complaint was lodged by Tom Harlow, a drag artist and stripper who performs as Cabaret Against The Hate Speech and who regularly counter-protests women's events by blasting music to drown out feminist speakers.
Harlow, who has received funding from the Scottish Government's quango Creative Scotland, alleged that Smith damaged his umbrella during their brief 20-second interaction. However, both video and photographic evidence from the event appear to show no damage occurring to the umbrella during their encounter.
Police Review and Outcome
Police Scotland confirmed last month that it was reviewing its response to the protest, and has now concluded that no crime was committed. The force has written to Ms Smith informing her of this decision and has withdrawn a previous invitation to discuss 'the offer of a recorded police warning'.
A Police Scotland spokesman stated: 'We have completed our review into this incident and are now satisfied that no crime has been committed. We have written to those involved to inform them of this decision.' The spokesman confirmed that police have apologised to Ms Smith personally.
The force added that their review into the policing of the September 4th event is concluding and they will update any learning captured through the Scottish Police Authority. Susan Smith is part of the group that successfully took the Scottish Government to court over the legal definition of a woman.
