The bulletin chose to focus on two main aspects of the attack: first the appearance in court of the man suspected of carrying out the stabbings, and second the political controversy after Mr Polanski reposted on social media an item criticising the police for how they treated the suspect as he was being arrested.  Viewers were shown the moment the police arrested the suspect and, despite part of the images being blurred, could clearly see the suspect being kicked by officers as they tackled him.  The audience also saw the social media post which questioned the officers’ behaviour and a subsequent statement from Mr Polanski in which he apologised for sharing the post “in haste” while also saying, “police responses to emergency situations such as these do need later reflections in the right forums”.  The report also included the views of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner and the Prime Minister, both of whom defended the actions of the officers and criticised Mr Polanski.  In the ECU’s judgement the reflection of a range of viewpoints in the bulletin, including the one endorsed by the complainant, met the requirements of impartiality in this context.

Not Upheld