Statement on the death of Henry Nowak

 

 

The death of Henry Nowak has become a touchstone in the growing public debate about confidence in policing and the principle of equal treatment under the law.

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The Party of Women believes that policing must be impartial, evidence-led and blind to race, religion, political ideology and social status. Every citizen is entitled to the same protection from the state and the same presumption that police officers will assess events according to the facts before them rather than assumptions about the identities of those involved.

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The circumstances surrounding Henry Nowak's death have raised serious questions about whether those principles were upheld. Public concern does not arise from a desire for preferential treatment for any group. It arises from a belief that the law should apply equally to everyone, and that operational decisions should be guided solely by evidence, risk and the protection of life.

Where allegations of "two-tier policing" emerge, they should neither be dismissed nor weaponised. They should be examined carefully and transparently. Public trust depends not only on fairness, but on the visible demonstration of fairness. When large numbers of ordinary people conclude that identity, politics or community sensitivities may have influenced police decision-making, confidence in the criminal justice system is inevitably weakened.

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The Party of Women supports the right of the public to discuss, criticise, question and protest the actions of public authorities. Peaceful protest, political dissent and robust public debate are not threats to democracy; they are essential features of it. Citizens must be free to express their concerns about policing, public safety and the administration of justice without being dismissed, smeared or discouraged from participating in democratic life.

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At the same time, we would remind those who seek violence, intimidation or public disorder that they do profound harm to the very causes they claim to advance. Disorder obscures legitimate grievances, undermines public sympathy and distracts from the pursuit of truth and accountability. Those seeking genuine change and justice should remain committed to lawful, peaceful and principled action.

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The proper response to public concern is not defensiveness but scrutiny. The public deserves a full and independent examination of the decisions made before, during and after the incident. Accountability is not an attack on policing; it is essential to maintaining public consent for policing.

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Henry Nowak's death should serve as a reminder that the legitimacy of law enforcement rests upon a simple but vital principle: every person must be treated equally before the law, and every life must carry equal value in the eyes of the state. Where there is doubt that this standard has been met, those doubts must be addressed openly, honestly and without fear or favour. Only through transparency, accountability and equal application of the law can public confidence be restored.

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Above all, our thoughts are with Henry's family, friends and loved ones as they come to terms with an unimaginable loss. Whatever conclusions are ultimately reached, a son, relative and friend has lost his life, and those closest to him must now live with that absence. They deserve answers, they deserve honesty, and they deserve the reassurance that every lesson that can be learned from this tragedy will be learned.

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Kellie-Jay Keen

Leader - Party Of Women