A man in Melbourne, Rohan Brown, has come forward to share his disturbing experience during the city’s lockdown in 2021, shedding light on the excessive use of force by Victoria Police. Brown, who was lawfully walking his dog in a park, was suddenly approached by a white van carrying heavily armed police officers. Without any warning, the officers emerged from the van, apprehending him at gunpoint.
Brown describes being forcibly taken to his house and later transported to the city for questioning, which resulted in his prolonged imprisonment. Shockingly, it took nine days for him to receive formal charges, including allegations of intimidating police and sending offensive emails. For a staggering 160 nights, Brown endured isolation and quarantine, lasting almost five months.
What is particularly concerning is the lack of media coverage on Brown’s arrest and subsequent detention. The mainstream media largely ignored this heavy-handed incident, with minimal attention only appearing after his bail hearing in the Supreme Court. Brown attempted to engage with media outlets but found little interest or willingness from journalists, including prominent figures like John Silvester and Mark Butler. This lack of coverage highlights a disturbing trend of disinterest and hesitation to challenge the actions of law enforcement.
Brown emphasizes that he never posed a physical threat to anyone during his arrest and believes that a less confrontational approach could have sufficed. A simple request to accompany the police to the station would have been enough, instead of the intimidating display of force used to instill fear and suppress dissent – a tactic that he believes was widespread during the Covid-19 crisis.
He attributes the lack of police accountability to a flawed system where officers are allowed to investigate themselves, often with limited oversight from agencies like the under-resourced IBAC. Brown aptly compares this situation to having children mark their friends’ tests, creating an environment where accountability is virtually non-existent.
This harrowing ordeal faced by Brown raises questions about the excessive use of force by law enforcement during lockdowns and the need for greater accountability. It also highlights the importance of media coverage in holding authorities accountable for their actions. The public has a right to know when their rights are being violated and when excessive force is being used.
Brown’s story serves as a reminder that even in times of crisis, it is crucial to question and challenge authority to safeguard individual rights and freedoms. The actions of law enforcement should always be subject to scrutiny and oversight, ensuring that justice and fairness prevail. In the case of Rohan Brown, his experience serves as a reminder of the need for police reform and the importance of a free and vigilant media in ensuring transparency and accountability.
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