Man speaks out after video of arrest at pro-Palestinian protest surfaces

Adam Melanson, the man arrested at a pro-Palestinian demonstration earlier this month, is speaking out for the first time through a statement released by his lawyer.

Warning: This article includes details, video and images that some might find disturbing.

Adam Melanson, the man arrested at a pro-Palestinian demonstration earlier this month, is speaking out for the first time through a statement released by his lawyer.

On Dec. 10, at the Human Rights Include Palestinian Rights rally, Melanson’s arrest was caught on camera.

The video appears to show a police officer striking him while he’s pinned to the ground by two or three other officers. Then a fourth one comes in to restrain him further and appears to put his knee on Melanson’s neck. Toronto police deny the officer’s knee was ever on his neck.

The video viewed by CTV News does not show what happened leading up to the incident. The clip begins with Melanson already on the ground and surrounded by police officers.

Shane Martinez, Melanson’s lawyer, said in the statement, “the troubling use of force that officers displayed during the arrest is reflective of an increasing climate of intimidation towards Palestine solidarity activists in Toronto."

“Such conduct is irreconcilable with our freedoms of peaceful assembly and expression, and our right to security of person, all which are guaranteed by the Charter,” Martinez added.