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After a complex and sensitive investigation the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is publishing its findings into the arrest and detention of a man during a Chinese Presidential state visit in October 2015.

Our investigation began in February 2016 following a complaint from Doctor Shao Jiang and his wife Johanna Zhang after he was arrested by City of London Police (CoLP) for an alleged breach of the peace during a protest. Dr Shao had climbed a barrier and stepped out in front of the presidential cavalcade holding two pieces of A4 paper which read, ‘End autocracy’ and ‘Democracy now’.

While in the custody of CoLP he was further arrested by the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a public order offence. As a result, his home was searched and property, including computer equipment, was seized. He was released on bail and was subsequently notified that no further action would be taken against him in relation to the incident.

IOPC Regional Director Sal Naseem yesterday said:

“Dr Shao and Ms Zhang’s complaints related to his arrests, his time in custody and the police decision to search his home and seize equipment. The complaints also queried whether Dr Shao’s treatment by the police was motivated by directions or information provided as part of the pre-planning for the Chinese premier’s visit.

“As a result, our investigation required access to information related to security matters around the 2015 Chinese Presidential visit and this proved complex and at times challenging given a number of different agencies were involved. It also meant that our investigation, which concluded in June last year, took longer than we would have preferred.

“A number of officers were investigated as part of this investigation, including both senior and junior officers. Our initial assessment of the evidence indicated some of those officers may have breached professional standards for their involvement in the matter. However, following more detailed analysis of the evidence and representations from the police forces involved that we are required to consider, we ultimately concluded no officer had a case to answer for misconduct or gross misconduct. 

“We have met the complainants to explain our final decisions and I am aware that they are disappointed with that outcome. But we did identify learning for some of the officers involved and we have fed back to both the Metropolitan Police and City of London Police with our findings.”

The IOPC report, which has been redacted under our legal obligations to protect the public interest and personal data, can be found here.

A summary of our determinations and outcomes can be found here.