This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
My mother and I will never forget the day we were caught up in a brutal police crackdown during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a day that changed my view of the police forever.
On March 25, 2020, the government had announced that wearing masks was mandatory when leaving the house. We obeyed the rules and drove to Voi to shop, where we picked up all the items on my mother's shopping list.
After shopping, we decided to grab some take-away chips from a popular restaurant. As we waited in line, we noticed that everyone was following the rules, standing far apart and wearing masks. The atmosphere was calm and peaceful.
But then, without warning, police officers appeared, carrying batons. They ordered everyone to leave, and in a matter of seconds, the officers descended on customers and employees, using their batons to subdue anyone who resisted.
As we scrambled to get out, I saw grown men being kicked and beaten by the police. My mother held me close, and we were eventually rounded up and bundled into a police vehicle.
After an hour of pleading, the police released us, but not before one of the officers kicked a man who demanded to know the reason for his arrest. My mother told me that the police often use such tactics to extort bribes from citizens.
That day, I realized that the police are not always there to protect us. In fact, they can be a source of fear and intimidation. Every time I see a police officer now, I wonder if they will torment me.
