Television writer Graham Linehan is preparing legal action against the Metropolitan Police following his arrest at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday. Linehan, 57, who created Father Ted, The IT Crowd, and Black Books, was detained by five armed officers on Monday after flying into London from Arizona. He was held in custody for 16 hours and later taken to the hospital after his blood pressure spiked to dangerous levels.
Linehan is suing the Met for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and breaches of his free speech rights. Daniel Berke, a lawyer working with the Free Speech Union, will represent him in the case.
“We want to send the police a message with this case – you cannot use these heavy-handed, Gestapo tactics with impunity,” the Free Speech Union wrote, urging supporters to donate to a crowdfunding campaign to cover Linehan’s legal costs.
Police previously confirmed the arrest but did not name Linehan. A spokesperson said, “On Monday, September 1, at 1 pm officers arrested a man at Heathrow airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X.” The statement added that firearms carried by airport officers were not drawn or used.
Linehan said the posts in question involved him challenging a “trans-identified male” in a female-only space. He later described his experience in custody as “an absolute disgrace,” adding that his health deteriorated under police supervision.
The arrest came just days before Linehan is due in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on separate charges of harassing a trans woman and damaging the person's phone, allegations he denies.
Supporters argue his lawsuit could set a precedent in defending speech rights in the UK. “Today it’s Graham, tomorrow it could be you,” the Free Speech Union warned.
Linehan is suing the Met for wrongful arrest, false imprisonment, and breaches of his free speech rights. Daniel Berke, a lawyer working with the Free Speech Union, will represent him in the case.
“We want to send the police a message with this case – you cannot use these heavy-handed, Gestapo tactics with impunity,” the Free Speech Union wrote, urging supporters to donate to a crowdfunding campaign to cover Linehan’s legal costs.
Police previously confirmed the arrest but did not name Linehan. A spokesperson said, “On Monday, September 1, at 1 pm officers arrested a man at Heathrow airport after he arrived on an inbound American Airlines flight. The man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence. This is in relation to posts on X.” The statement added that firearms carried by airport officers were not drawn or used.
Linehan said the posts in question involved him challenging a “trans-identified male” in a female-only space. He later described his experience in custody as “an absolute disgrace,” adding that his health deteriorated under police supervision.
The arrest came just days before Linehan is due in Westminster Magistrates’ Court on separate charges of harassing a trans woman and damaging the person's phone, allegations he denies.
Supporters argue his lawsuit could set a precedent in defending speech rights in the UK. “Today it’s Graham, tomorrow it could be you,” the Free Speech Union warned.
