Disabled British Blogger Seeks Help to Combat Police Brutality

Jody McIntyre isn’t your typical activist -- and no, I’m not referring to the fact that he’s in a wheelchair, though that does make him different from some of the other activists with whom he has protested. I’m talking about his resolve, his unwavering dedication to what he feels is right, and his eloquence. All of these things have come into the international spotlight over the past few weeks as Jody has told and retold the story of how he was yanked from his wheelchair and literally drug across the street by one of London’s Metropolitan Police officers.

McIntyre was involved in the British student protests that we’ve all heard about by now, standing side by side with others who believe a college education should be affordable to all. While some of those protests turned a little raucous and even violent, much of the London activist community is crying foul on media coverage, maintaining the public is only seeing one side of the story and missing the accounts of police brutality. But one video from the activist side has gone viral, leading to coverage on the BBC and other major media sources -- the video of Jody being handled like a rag doll by police.

In the video you can see Jody in the street get approached by an officer. He is knocked to the ground and drug from his wheelchair, all while shocked bystanders shout in outrage at what they are witnessing. Though this was the second time Jody was pulled from his chair by police that day, even he states the first time was for his own safety. It’s not clear how the officer justified this seemingly unnecessary act, however. Towards the end of the video, you see the cop being pulled away from the scene by his colleagues, likely a smart move on their part.

Jody is asking the London community for help. He’s posted photos of the officer on his blog, along with a badge number. He wants anyone who knows the officer to call Crimestoppers and report the assault.

On his blog, Life on Wheels: One Man’s Journey on the Path to Revolution, Jody discusses his political beliefs. From demands for affordable tuition to calls for a free Palestine, they run the gamut.

Jody spoke to BBC’s Ben Brown about his London encounter in what many have called a disgraceful and appalling interview. Brown seemed to shift the blame of the incident to Jody, accusing him of provoking the attack. Watching the exchange reminded me of watching a bully, though Jody doesn’t take the verbal lashings lightly, responding with respectful eloquence and not missing a beat. “To try and justify a peace officer pulling a disabled person out of a wheelchair and dragging them across a concrete road is quite ridiculous and I’m surprised that you’ve just tried to do so.”

The London Metropolitan Police Service has opened an investigation into the incident, though it’s not clear how forthcoming they’ll be with their findings. There’s no doubt in my mind, however, that Jody will be sharing what he knows and that he'll continue speaking out.

At birth, doctors told Jody's parents he would never walk or talk. While he is bound to his chair, his voice cannot be silenced.

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Photo Credit: Shirl