Cheers as #KingsCross3 is acquitted of assault charges

The executive director of a black women’s group criticized the “institutional racist system” after assault charges against her and two friends were dropped.

Selma Taha, the executive director of Southall Black Sisters (SBS), was due to stand trial along with her friends Divina Riggon and Danae Thomas after they were accused of attacking a woman at Kings Cross tube station last year.

The victims

They claimed to have been victims of a violent racist attack. However, the prosecution decided to drop the charges before the three-day trial began, arguing that the evidence available was insufficient to provide a realistic prospect of conviction.

In tears, Ms Taha told her supporters gathered outside the courthouse that she and her friends had been victims of a brutal racist attack and that they had been “disbelieved and criminalised” for speaking out against the attacks.

She said: “As relieved as I am that the decision went in our favour, it was a tough battle and I remain upset about the treatment my sisters and I received.”

“I expected more accountability and due diligence, but the CPS disbelieved me and criminalised me for speaking out about racist abuse. The last ten months have reaffirmed my lack of trust in the system and reminded me daily of the challenges we face as black, minority and migrant victims demanding a just response from an institutionally racist system.”

Ms Taha added: “As the CEO of an organisation like SBS that campaigns on violence against women and girls, at every stage I have also been concerned for other black women in my situation, knowing that not all of them have the platform I have to raise awareness of the systemic injustice we face on a daily basis. I thank everyone who has supported us over the last few months – your strength and solidarity has kept us going.

“Better police work”

“As SBS, we promise to continue to build this movement as we have for decades, demanding better policing and an equal systemic response for all of us. We hope your voice is part of this call for change.”

The three women said they were verbally and physically attacked while travelling from Camden Town to King’s Cross in September last year.

I have worried for other Black women who are in my situation and know that not all of them have the platform I have to raise awareness about the systemic injustice we face on a daily basis.

Selma Taha, Executive Director, Southall Black Sisters

However, it later emerged that an off-duty Metropolitan Detective Constable was in the subway carriage but did not intervene to de-escalate the incident.

When the train reached King’s Cross station, the three women asked the police officer why he did not take any action to intervene or arrest the attacker.

A shocking development later occurred: the three women were charged with assault by beating following the incident.

Ms. Riggon also faced charges of harassment and Ms. Thomas faced charges of racial harassment, but both charges were dropped.

petition

A petition launched on Change.org calling on the CPS to drop the charges has received over 36,000 signatures.

The alleged attacker had already been cautioned under the Public Order Act for racially motivated conduct and no further action was taken.

A spokesman for the Southall Black Sisters said: “In a totally incomprehensible and unjustified move, instead of charging the attacker, the CPS took the decision to charge Selma, Divina and Danae with simple assault.

“While the dropping of racism allegations against #KingsCross3 is to be welcomed, this case has highlighted the seriousness of the problem of black women being disbelieved and criminalised when they speak out against abuse.

“At a time of crisis for Black women, when data shows that Black femicide and other forms of abuse are reaching devastating levels, this case and the treatment of the three Black women involved should set off alarm bells.

“This case underscores the urgent need to hold police and justice systems accountable in cases of violence against women and girls.

A CPS spokesman said: “We have a duty to keep all cases under review on an ongoing basis and following the information received over the last few days we have decided there is no longer a realistic prospect of conviction and this charge has been dropped.”