Parkinson’s Sufferer Arrested for ‘Not Smiling’ at Olympic Men’s Cycling Race

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Mark Worsfold, 54, a martial-arts trainer who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, wants a “letter of exoneration” after what he claims was a gross over-reaction on the part of Surrey Police.

Worsfold explains, “I was sitting minding my own business…Before I knew anything the police grabbed me off this seven-foot wall, threw me to the floor and cuffed me so all I saw of the cycle race was between the feet of people from the pavement.”

Due to his degenerative disorder, Worsfold says his face can seem expressionless.

According to the Guardian, Worsfold says Surrey police “questioned him about his demeanor and why he had not been seen to be visibly enjoying the event.” They arrested him on charges of “breach of the peace” saying Worsfold’s behavior posed a “caused concern.”

Surrey police defended their actions, claiming, “The man was positioned close to a small group of protesters and based on his manner, his state of dress and his proximity to the course, officers made an arrest to prevent a possible breach of the peace.”

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