UK murder of Henry Nowak sparks protests and right‑wing backlash

Vickrum Digwa, a 23‑year‑old British Sikh, was convicted of murdering 18‑year‑old Henry Nowak in Southampton last December. Police mistakenly handcuffed the victim, who repeatedly said “I can’t breathe” before dying, prompting public outrage.

A court sentenced Digwa to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 21 years. On 2 June, protests erupted in Southampton; demonstrators threw objects, damaged police vehicles and displayed extremist slogans such as “White Power” and Nazi salutes. Right‑wing figures, including Nigel Farage of Reform UK, Tommy Robinson, and UKIP leader Nick Tenconi, addressed the crowds. US Vice‑President JD Vance remarked on the case, while Prime Minister Keir Starmer rejected claims of foreign interference. The victim’s father warned that the murder should not be used to stoke division against the Sikh community, noting that the case also highlighted legal debates over the Sikh ceremonial knife, the kirpan.