Approximately 110 people from Whickham and the surrounding area attended an organised protest held outside The Jamdani Restaurant, Front street on Friday 13th of April.
The event was organised in response to an incident which took place there the previous week, in which four men were arrested on suspicion of raping an 18-year-old female.
Protest organiser Lee Garrett took to Facebook to encourage locals to peacefully protest outside of the establishment with the intention of closing the restaurant until further notice.
Those who attended the protest were keen to point out that the protest was not racially motivated. Lee Garrett stated on Facebook that the protest was “not a far-right protest”, and that any far-right organisations were not welcome to attend as a group.
Jonathon Wood, 31 who attended the demonstration explains “We were all there because we think it’s disrespectful to allow the place to remain open while the investigation is still ongoing. It’s not a matter of race at all, it’s a matter of justice and respect for the victim.”
There was an increased police presence at the event, which passed without incident. A spokesperson from Northumbria Police stated “The event saw a police presence in the area to ensure that there was minimal disruption to the community, and that any concerns were addressed”.
During the protest, a female speaker used a megaphone to address the crowd, stating “We all stand for justice for victims, the CPS need to start doing the same and come down on these men.”
According to Northumbria Police, three men arrested have been released under investigation, the fourth been released and no further action will be taken.
Residents of Whickham have voiced their concern over the protest, with many claiming that the restaurant owners should not be held accountable for the incident, and there is no reason for the restaurant to close for business.
Louise Thompson, 27 of Whickham heard about the protest and did not attend on the grounds that she disagrees with the premise. She explained “As far as I’m aware the owner wasn’t involved, so I can’t help but feel like people are jumping on the bandwagon.”
When asked whether she believed the protest was racially motivated she replied “Yes, I do think it’s a racist bandwagon, that’s my view.”
The Jamdani restaurant has, and will, remain open for business until further notice.
Whickham Local 
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