Muslim businessman suing City of London police over alleged ‘discrimination’

The London Evening Standard yesterday published news of a Muslim businessman who is suing City of London police for alleged racial discrimination following his arrest during the 2012 Olympics.

Akmal Afzal, 23, claims that he was singled out by officers for being “an Asian with a beard”.

Mr Afzal alleges that he was targeted by officers while watching a marathon race during the London Olympics. He claims he had to undergo a “foreign national check” despite being a British citizen, and that a “intelligence report” was created on him for the Special Branch.

City of London police state that Mr Afzal was arrested on suspicion of theft but was later released without charge.

Mr Afzal is now suing the force for “false imprisonment, assault and discrimination”.

His barrister told a jury at the Central London county court: “His position is he did nothing wrong and he says the reason he was treated in the way he was relates to his ethnic origin and/or his religion.”

The case continues.