By Peter Griffiths
Thirty years after the death of an anti-fascist protester during clashes in London, Britain’s top policeman Tuesday released a secret report that blamed his killing on riot police.
[washingtonpost.com] Blair Peach, 33, a teacher from New Zealand, was hit over the head by an officer who is suspected of conspiring with his colleagues to cover up their role, the report said.
His death before the 1979 election became a cause celebre for critics of police tactics, undermined trust in the London force and raised racial tensions in Britain’s inner cities.
The first term in office of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who won that election, was marked by some of the worst race riots in British history.
The Peach case was thrust back into the spotlight last year when a newspaper seller died during G20 demonstrations in London after being knocked down by a policeman. (more on washingtonpost.com)
