Kelly Kine, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Following the murder of George Floyd, protests in the US against racism and police violence have been met with further state violence. The response in the UK has included anger at the potential role of the UK in supplying equipment that could be used to suppress protests. Here we try to answer some of the questions that have come up.
Last updated 9 June 2021
What equipment is being used to suppress protest in the US?
Tear gas has been widely against protestors. The New York Times catalogued its use in 100 cities. A group of Democratic Representatives have called for a ban on use by the police.
Other equipment includes:
U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Racist policing and the activities of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement organization are responsible for severe human rights abuses. Externally, the US is engaged in multiple wars around the world, often alongside the UK.
State violence is the same whether it’s carried out by the military or police. The line between the two has always been blurred and, via equipment, tactics and terminology, this is increasing.
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