Haven't read the full thread, so apologies if this has already been posted, but I think this tweet makes some good points:
Please just shut up with this "I'm respecting Henry Nowak's family's wishes" nonsense. I'm hearing it from countless people on the left, and it completely misses the point. Here's some much needed context..
When families release statements after a high profile killing, it is extremely common for lawyers, media advisers, victim support organisations, or police family liaison officers to help draft, review, or shape the wording. Phrases such as:
• "We do not want this tragedy to cause division."
• "Please do not use our loved one's death to spread hatred."
• "We ask people to remain peaceful."
• "We do not want tensions between communities."
are standard in these kinds of statements. You can research it yourself if you think that's inaccurate.
NO, I'm not suggesting that Henry's family didn't genuinely mean what they said. They very well may have. What I do reject is the claim that their statement was a demand for everyone to stop discussing the case, stop asking questions, and stop scrutinising what happened. In fact, the family themselves highlighted concerns about how Henry was treated by the police and suggested that those responsible may need to face legal consequences. Calling for people not to spread hatred is not the same thing as demanding silence. Those are two very different things.