The Trump administration’s State Department issued a statement on the murder of British student Henry Nowak on Thursday, June 4, saying the police handling of the case is a symptom of “ideological conditioning and two-tiered policing” that denotes a major civilizational decline in the West.
The comments came after bodycam footage emerged showing 18-year-old Nowak lying on a Southampton street last December, handcuffed behind his back while bleeding from five stab wounds.
Officers appeared to doubt his repeated claims that he had been stabbed, even as he told them “I can’t breathe” multiple times. Nowak died at the scene.
Digwa was convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years on June 1. His mother, Kiran Kaur, was convicted of assisting an offender. The case has now triggered protests, political debate, and an official police watchdog investigation.
Digwa used a 21cm dagger that he said he carried as part of his Sikh faith. Prosecutors told the court he had an obsession with weapons and had previously been barred from a local gurdwara.
Bodycam video released this week captured Nowak’s final minutes as he pleaded with officers about his injuries.One officer replied, “Don’t think you have, mate.” Nowak’s hands were cuffed as he lay on the ground. Medical experts have suggested the restraints may have worsened his internal bleeding from the deep chest wound.
The Nowak family described the police treatment as inhumane and degrading” but made clear that Digwa alone was responsible for the murder. In court, Henry’s father spoke of the horrific pain of losing his son. His mother said a bright future had been cruelly taken away.
Henry was one of four siblings from Chafford Hundred in Essex. Friends remembered him as a careful, humorous young man with strong principles.
Henry’s family deserve answers, and the public deserve reassurance that their police service is equipped to recognise victims and provide the highest standard of care when it matters most.MS Jones said
Inspectors will examine how the force responds from the first call through to attendance. Their work will consider whether officers and staff receive information, training and support before making decisions during serious violence incidents.
The inspection will provide an independent assessment of Hampshire police’s systems and working culture.
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