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A planned 'Black Lives Matter' protest planned for tomorrow in Newry has been called off following police intervention.
ACC Alan Todd said: “We have been engaging with the organisers of protest activity across Northern Ireland this weekend and have urged them to call off any planned events. I am pleased to say that organisers have now cancelled the protests in Newry, Portadown and Omagh.
“Such gatherings are a risk to public health and in breach of the current Health Regulations. I would appeal to anyone thinking about attending them not to – and instead find more responsible and innovative ways to make their voice heard. People need to act responsibly and be aware that protesting like this puts people’s lives at risk."
Several people on Twitter have expressed their annoyance at the police intervention with one saying "A peaceful protest/show of solidarity which would have lasted 8mins 46secs and demanded social distancing & face masks was reported to and subsequently cancelled by PSNI while 100s have gathered at the lakes, beaches & piers with little to no consequence." while another commented "I'm still so furious, there have been COUNTLESS reports of young people in this area meeting in HUNDREDS and underage drinking but no action was taken, but when it's a human rights issue suddenly they speak up and threaten us??"
The Assistant Chief Constable added “In normal circumstances, we would work with organisers to facilitate peaceful protests – but these are not ordinary times. The protests are important and for a worthy cause and we understand the public’s frustration and anger. However, protesting against the unnecessary and unjustifiable death of a person in the United States risks the unnecessary and unjustifiable deaths of people in Northern Ireland who could contract the virus as a result.
“There is no allowance within the Regulations to travel in order to attend a protest and to do so is a breach of Regulation 5. Attending mass gatherings is a breach of Regulation 6. It is simply not possible to exercise social distancing effectively when people are gathered together in large numbers. Please consider other ways to protest – perhaps at home or in the virtual or digital space.
“We are engaging with, explaining to and encouraging organisers to cancel and potential protesters not to go to these events. However, if this advice – which comes from health professionals, elected representatives and the Chief Medical Officer as well as police - is ignored and people break the law, then there will be consequences. We will then have to move to the fourth E of enforcement – and that means issuing fines and carrying out follow up investigations if required to put people before the courts.
“This weekend, there will be a more visible police presence at the events themselves, as well as at bus and train stations and on the roads.
“We all have personal responsibility to do the right thing and protect others in society. Let’s not risk the unnecessary and untimely deaths of loved ones by breaching the Regulations. I am hopeful that people will listen to my appeal and that common sense will prevail.”
The new Chairperson of Newry, Mourne and Down Council has said she will be lighting up Newry Town Hall in civic solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement & BAME people.
