Race on the Agenda joins all those expressing grief and outrage at the murder of Henry Nowak and the deeply disturbing circumstances surrounding his death.
All young people should be protected from violence. This incident deserves a thorough, objective, and transparent investigation to ensure accountability and justice.
In addition, we are concerned by the exploitation of this case for political ends. Far-right activists, including Tommy Robinson, have mobilised protests in response to the case. Some politicians have also been irresponsible in their use of language.
This is a cynical weaponisation of a family’s grief that the family themselves have explicitly rejected. The Nowak family’s call is for safer streets for everyone not a rallying cry for those who seek to pit communities against one another.
Henry’s father, Mark Nowak, was clear:
“We do not want his death to be used to create further division, hatred or tension. We want his story to make our streets safer for everyone.”
Those words must be heard and respected.
Justice for Henry Nowak is not served by stoking hatred toward Sikh communities many of whom have subsequently expressed fear for their safety. Or by the spread of divisive misinformation on mainstream and social media.
As Henry’s father said, this is not a case about Sikhism or racism, it is about murder. And it is about policing.
We honour his memory by following his family’s lead.
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Rest in peace, Henry Nowak.