This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-50458051

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Oxford Union debate: Blind student 'violently' pulled from seat Oxford Union debate: Blind student 'violently' pulled from seat
(about 1 hour later)
A blind student who was "violently" removed from a prestigious debating society has been cleared of any wrongdoing.A blind student who was "violently" removed from a prestigious debating society has been cleared of any wrongdoing.
Ebenezer Azamati was "very pleased" that allegations of "false violent disorder" were retracted by the Oxford Union after he was removed from a debate in October. Ebenezer Azamati was "accosted" by a security guard when he tried to return to a seat he had earlier reserved before the debate on 17 October.
Mr Azamati said his treatment made him feel "unwelcome in the union, Oxford and even the country". He said he was "very pleased" that claims of "false violent disorder" were retracted by the Oxford Union.
The union has been asked for comment.The union has been asked for comment.
The Oxford University Africa Society said the postgraduate student from Ghana was "forcibly and violently prevented from re-entering the union to resume his seat" after he attended a debate at the union on 17 October. The postgraduate student from Ghana said his treatment made him feel "unwelcome in the union, Oxford and even the country".
The society said Mr Azamati, who is visually impaired, "should have been treated far more courteously... assuming that rules for re-entry prevent anyone from stepping into the chamber at a stipulated time before sessions begin". The Oxford University Africa Society said Mr Azamati, who is visually impaired, was "forcibly and violently prevented from re-entering the union to resume his seat" before a debate at the union.
"Even if he had re-entered when the debate had started, such poor treatment through violent means remains unjustifiable", it added. It said he arrived to the union in Frewin Court early to reserve his seat in the chamber before the debate and then returned to his college.
Nwamaka Ogbonna, president of the Oxford University Africa Society, said the incident started after a security guard had told Mr Azamati he could not enter the chamber because "the union was full" despite the student having apparently reserved a seat. The student was then confronted by a security guard when he tried to return to his seat so Mr Azamati sat in another seat offered by another member before staff attempted to remove him.
"I think everyone is quite perplexed," she added. The society said: "Even if he had re-entered when the debate had started, such poor treatment through violent means remains unjustifiable."
Nwamaka Ogbonna, president of the Oxford University Africa Society, said a security guard had told Mr Azamati he could not enter the chamber because "the union was full" despite the student having apparently reserved a seat.
Ms Ogbonna said: "The argument that he had to leave because there were not any seats is invalid. People are allowed to stand."
"I think everyone is quite perplexed."
'Not human enough'
Video footage shared online showed an argument between security and Mr Azamati in the chamber before staff appeared to manhandle him.Video footage shared online showed an argument between security and Mr Azamati in the chamber before staff appeared to manhandle him.
The St John's College student, who studies International Relations, said he was "treated as not being human enough to deserve justice and fair treatment".The St John's College student, who studies International Relations, said he was "treated as not being human enough to deserve justice and fair treatment".
After the charges against Mr Azamati were successfully appealed on Saturday, the president of the Oxford Union, Brendan McGrath, apologised "for the distress and any reputational damage" to the student.After the charges against Mr Azamati were successfully appealed on Saturday, the president of the Oxford Union, Brendan McGrath, apologised "for the distress and any reputational damage" to the student.
Helen Mountfield QC, who represents Mr Azamati, told the BBC there were ongoing talks with the union "concerning what steps it can take to address the failings exposed by this case". Helen Mountfield QC, who represents Mr Azamati, said there were ongoing talks with the union over what steps it can take to address the "failings" exposed by this case.
The principal of Mansfield College added the talks included discussing "what redress" the union could make "for the assault, discrimination and (subsequently) libels which Azamati suffered". The principal of Mansfield College said talks included discussing "what redress" the union could make for the "assault, discrimination and libels" which Mr Azamati suffered.
The Oxford Union has a tradition of hosting debates and speakers stretching back to 1823 and is independent from Oxford University.The Oxford Union has a tradition of hosting debates and speakers stretching back to 1823 and is independent from Oxford University.