Thousands of people have been gathering across the UK in recent days to protest the death of George Floyd, police brutality and systemic racism in this country and the US. This week, more are scheduled in London and beyond with the rallying cry ‘the UK is not innocent’.
Numerous posters have circulated online with key London dates, showing that there will be a peaceful protest at Hyde Park on Wednesday 3rd June at 1pm, another at parliament square on Saturday 6th June at 1pm and so far, a final one on Sunday 7th of June at the US Embassy at 2pm.
With protests in Manchester, Cardiff and Nottingham over the weekend, there is sure to be many more around the UK with one already scheduled in Liverpool today at St. Georges Hall at 7.20pm. But now, more than ever, we must consider safety when protesting.
Not just because of the risks of Covid-19, of which BAME people are more likely to die should they contract the virus, but also because of the racism and police brutality BAME people are more likely to face while protesting.
This has been evidenced most recently by the reports of increased stop and searches in areas with large BAME populations and the Guardians report last week that BAME people in England are 54% more likely to be fined under coronavirus rules than white people.
And so, not only is it crucial to follow social distancing guidelines while protesting if possible, but also for BAME people to know their legal rights should they be arrested or stopped. Despite the fact that the UK protests have largely remained peaceful, 23 arrests were made during the London protests at the weekend with no detail given on the particular offences -according to the Scotland Yard.
According to Green & Black Cross, a charity that supports social justice struggles with legal training, ‘you do not have to give your name and address under any stop and search power… legally you must be told the reason and the power that you are being searched under.’
If you are arrested, the charity said, ‘say “no comment” to all police questions during casual chats, "booking in" and interviews. At the police station you may wish to give your name, address and date of birth to speed your release. If asked your nationality you must give it. For your protection and that of other people don’t answer further questions.
‘Do not accept a caution without advice from a recommended solicitor,’ they continue. ‘This is an admission of responsibility and goes on the police national computer. You have the right to free legal advice at the police station. Duty solicitors don’t always have experience with protest law, we recommend asking the police to contact one of the legal firms mentioned in the tweet below.'
There are also UK lawyers assisting protestors for free in the event you need legal help (see below tweet) and this YouTube video gives further advice on how to hold the police accountable for racist stop and searches during lockdown.
When it comes to social distancing, videos from the protests show it may be near impossible to keep two meters away from others so be sure to only attend protests if you are not symptomatic or vulnerable – there are plenty of ways to protest and impact change from home if you cannot attend in person.
If you are going out, take every precaution to stay safe. Wear a protective mask, bring lots of food, water and hand sanitizer. If you are wearing a mask, do not remove or touch it while you're outside. Putting your fingers on the mask just adds the risk of putting the virus - which could be on your hands - near your mouth or nose.
Black Lives Matter have also informed people to wear non-identifiable clothing with others noting that any pictures taken should not include protesters faces. While the following graphic largely pertains to the US where footage shows police using force against protesters, there is also some useful advice for protesting in general.
Read More:
Here Are The Anti-Racism Charities You Can Support Around The UK And US
White People, If You’re Angry About George Floyd You Should Stay That Way