Thousands of people across the United Kingdom have joined anti-racism demonstrations despite lockdown restrictions. [1]
The demonstrations took place in towns and cities across the UK in the wake of the brutal murder of an unarmed black man, George Floyd in Minnesota.
‘This is the scene, right now, in central London.
'Despite the rain, thousands are standing in solidarity with the family of George Floyd’⁰⁰#BlackLivesMatter protests are taking place throughout the UK today
More here: https://t.co/d2OpCxkMTo pic.twitter.com/oaTU6BZDuZ
— ITV News Politics (@ITVNewsPolitics) June 6, 2020
The protesters defied any calls to avoid mass gatherings as required under lockdown measures due to the coronavirus pandemic. Protesters held banners reading:
“There is a virus greater than Covid-19 and it’s called racism”.
For the most part of the day, protests were smooth and peaceful, however footage surfacing on social media shows violence erupt as demonstrators are forced to disperse and police officers can be seen in riot gear.
Clashes break out near Downing Street after largely peaceful protests at a Black Lives Matter demonstration https://t.co/LyrA6rQSB9 pic.twitter.com/xsuuTYc14l
— ITV News (@itvnews) June 6, 2020
During the protest, a 29-year-old protestor, Imran Ayton told the crowd: [2]
“Institutional racism is rooted in housing, healthcare, the education system, the media, in fashion and beauty,”
“It is rooted in recruitment and employment, in politics, in policing, in immigration, and the criminal justice system.
“It is seen but you cannot see it. It is everywhere but it is nowhere … Today is the day where we say goodbye to institutional racism.”
Although the majority of protestors wore face coverings, many with gloves and some attempted to social distance, the Met Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick has said the protests were “unlawful”.
Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, has praised those who protested peacefully saying:
“To the thousands of Londoners who protested peacefully today, I stand with you and I share your anger and your pain. George Floyd’s brutal killing must be a catalyst for change worldwide.
“To the tiny minority who were violent and threw glass bottles and lit flares – you endangered a safe and peaceful protest and let down this important cause.”
In recent days, dozens of videos have surfaced on social media showing police brutality during demonstrations over the death of the unarmed black man. Civil rights groups in the United States have also sued Trump over the assault on peaceful protesters near the White House on Monday. [3]
Protestors in the US have been sprayed with tear gas, shot with rubber bullets, and forcefully removed as police brutally dispersed protesters from a park to allow Trump to take a photo near a church. [4]
The widely-shared footage of Floyd’s murder clearly shows the now-dismissed police officers restraining Floyd, who is seen offering no resistance to arrest. One of the officers, Derek Chauvin, placed his knee firmly on the neck of Floyd for several minutes as he struggled to breathe, resulting in his eventual death.
Pressure continues to grow on the US as Trump and his administration continue to be widely criticised for their handling of this sensitive situation.
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Source: www.islam21c.com
Notes:
[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-52949014
[2] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/06/uk-anti-racism-protesters-defy-calls-to-avoid-mass-gatherings
[3] https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-52932611
[4] https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/02/trump-washington-walk-to-the-church-photo-op
Government senior advisor on equality and community cohesion responds. View the link below!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGHtj8Iuwgg
I remember one commentator mention that If the police officer knew that the murder of Floyd was the last straw that would break the camels back he would never have carried out that brutal murder. It’s hard to tell sometimes when a society is about to crack as Mr Trump is finding out.
These protests in the UK mustn’t be ignored. It’s a shadow of something that is much greater. People want to hear from their leaders. They want to hear about strategies and plans that will be introduced to bring about such changes.
The battle against Covid-19 is important, the economy is important but these issues cannot be used to detract us from addressing the serious issues raised. I do pray that the PM Boris Johnson makes a speedy recovery to good health and surrounds himself with sincere advisors.
I’m really saddened to see that a police officer was injured during the demonstration!
Thank you for your update.
I hope the messages raised in the demonstrations today reach the ears of our government and that Boris takes charge and addresses the nation on how he and his government will address each issue.
I have no doubt that if he takes a stand on the issues and brings the positive change that people desire in this country he will not only earn the respect of the people, but will definitely be re-elected a second time. I voted for him the first time and will do so again.