The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) has confirmed that no decision has yet been made regarding criminal charges stemming from a violent confrontation at Manchester Airport in July, which involved armed police officers and two men from Rochdale.
The incident, captured on CCTV and widely circulated online, showed Fahir Amaaz, 19, and his brother Muhammed Amaad, 25, being restrained by police. Footage appeared to show an officer kicking and stamping on Fahir’s head as he was incapacitated with a Taser stun gun. Further footage, obtained by the Manchester Evening News, showed the lead-up to the altercation, including two female officers being knocked to the ground.
The altercation reportedly followed a flight from Doha, where a violent altercation between two groups erupted, leading to the deployment of armed officers to Terminal 2. Four people were arrested in connection with the incident and remain on police bail.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) handed over a “comprehensive file of evidence” to the CPS in mid-August, but CPS lawyers are still “carefully and thoroughly” reviewing the material to determine whether criminal charges will be brought.
In response to the delay, Reform UK—led by Nigel Farage—recently threatened to launch a private prosecution if charges are not filed. In a letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, Farage and Reform UK’s leadership expressed concern over what they view as a “two-tier justice” system. They argue that delays in prosecuting the suspects are unacceptable and signalled their intention to fund a private prosecution if necessary.
A CPS spokeswoman addressed these concerns, stating:
We are considering the material and are providing advice in relation to a series of alleged criminal offences at Manchester Airport in July this year. We are working with Greater Manchester Police and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) while their enquiries continue.
The IOPC is also investigating the actions of two officers involved in the incident for potential assault. However, they clarified that the “serving of notices does not necessarily mean criminal charges or misconduct proceedings will follow.”
Reform UK’s calls for action have been criticised by legal representatives of the men involved. Solicitor Aamer Anwar, who represents the Amaaz family, accused the party of “pathetic grandstanding” and questioned the motive behind their public threats.
GMP reiterated their commitment to ensuring justice is served without prejudicing the ongoing legal proceedings, adding that they continue to support the officers involved.
The situation remains under investigation by both the CPS and IOPC, with further developments expected as evidence is reviewed.
