Epping is facing a rapid escalation of violence. This unrest comes in the wake of the arrest of Eritrean asylum seeker, Hadush Gerberslasie Kebatu, 38, on multiple counts of sexual assault. Kebatu is charged with three counts of sexual assault. In addition, he is accused of inducing a minor female to participate in sexually explicit conduct and stalking her without physical contact. He entered a plea of not guilty at an arraignment on July 10, and bail was denied.
Even as the protests started peacefully, clashes soon took a violent turn on July 13. Dozens of men then launched an assault on private security personnel surrounding The Bell Hotel. Things turned even more violent, with eight police officers injured in confrontations with protesters. The unrest has drawn attention not only for the charges against Kebatu but for the aggressive behavior exhibited by some protesters.
Initial Protests Escalate
What started as a testy local mobilization against Kebatu’s alleged abuses morphed quickly into an impressive nationwide online #KebatuDropout campaign. Tempers escalated quickly when outsiders showed up, allegedly with the goal of creating chaos.
“After carrying out their peaceful protests, members of the Epping community largely dissipated. However, a number of individuals arrived at the scene, intent on causing trouble,” said Essex police.
On Thursday evening, following a largely peaceful daytime protest, violence spread as many protesters turned to throwing projectiles at officers and damaging businesses and police vehicle fleets. As a result, this week, two men were arrested, including one 65-year-old. Nothing prepared us for how quickly it changed from a peaceful protest to just this militarized, frightening display of aggression,” Officer .
Ongoing Violence and Arrests
The activism and unrest didn’t stop with the standoff that began the night of July 13. On Sunday, demonstrators turned violent yet again. They threw projectiles at police officers and set patrol cars on fire, inspiring six additional arrests.
“I am deeply saddened by what has taken place in recent weeks.
“Disappointingly, we have seen yet another protest, which began peacefully, escalate into mindless thuggery with individuals again hurting one of our officers and damaging a police vehicle,” he stated.
Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Hooper noted that the violence only came from “selfish people”. Most of these offenders were from out-of-town, coming into Epping with a plan to commit crimes. This external influence fueled fears among local officials that outside agitators were trying to undermine local authorities through the protests.
Community Response and Security Measures
As tensions have flared across Epping, local enforcement has taken an aggressive approach to the security scene. A different kind of order reigns now. Police are allowed to arrest anyone who wears face coverings or balaclavas until Monday morning (local time). This is a common sense, broadly supported measure to protect the public and law enforcement from future violence.
Right-wing agitators are keeping a very close eye on these protests. Among them is recently convicted anti-Muslim hate rally organizer, Tommy Robinson, who has been posting inflammatory videos and posts about developments in Essex on social media. Their continued involvement has further complicated the community’s reaction to the persistent civil unrest that still continues against the backdrop of Ferguson.
