The Sikh community has “faced considerable abuse and hate” during the trial of Vickrum Digwa, it has been claimed.
Sikh Federation UK added that the police arrest of the dying victim had “unnecessarily stirred up community hatred”.
It also highlighted that the jury at Southampton Crown Court was told the case “was not about Sikhism or racism, but about the unlawful killing of Henry Nowak”.
In a statement, Sikh Federation UK said: “Henry’s life has tragically been cut short by a moment of madness by an individual for which there can be no excuses.
“The jury heard evidence that the incident was preceded by an altercation and allegations of racial abuse, but ultimately rejected Vickrum Digwa’s claim of self-defence.
“Prosecuting counsel told the jury that, in the prosecution’s case, the incident was not about Sikhism or racism, but about the unlawful killing of Henry.
“Nonetheless, the wider Sikh community has unacceptably faced considerable abuse and hate during the trial as many do not understand the law, the significance of the kirpan or the responsibility associated with wearing a kirpan.
“The actions of police officers who handcuffed the victim just before he died has not helped and given an opportunity for many to criticise the police, but it has also unnecessarily stirred up community hatred.”
The organisation also said it would be raising awareness of the law and guidance around the carrying of kirpan ceremonial knives.
It said: “Now the trial is over we want to make absolutely clear the law only provides fully practising Sikhs with a defence under the law to wear a kirpan for religious reasons.
“If a kirpan or a bladed item is used aggressively in an act of violence the defence under the law for a kirpan does not apply and it is deemed an offensive weapon.
“We understand in this case the weapon that may have been used was not the normal kirpan worn by fully practising Sikhs.
“This nuance is critically important and may not have been explained or understood by those asked to give evidence in this case.
“This was an isolated incident, the Sikh community is committed to promoting greater understanding and ensuring lessons are learned.
“Fully practising Sikhs who wear a kirpan should continue to recognise the serious responsibility that accompanies it, together with the limited legal protection that exists for wearing it for genuine religious purposes.
“We will be ensuring it is understood that anyone simply possessing a weapon with the intent to use it to cause unlawful violence carries a maximum sentence of up to seven years following the recent Crime and Policing Act 2026 coming into effect a few weeks ago.”
