Arrest, caution and fixed penalty notices issued during rally in Derry calling on people to reject lockdown

Derry City and Strabane District PSNI Commander, Chief Superintendent Darrin Jones confirmed the measures taken at Guildhall Square on Sunday, during a protest against ‘the New Normal’ which called on people to reject ‘mandatory vaccinations’ and lockdown.

Several dozen people were present at the outdoor event.

Chf. Supt. Jones said: “A number of fixed penalty notices were issued at a protest event at Guildhall Square in Derry / Londonderry this afternoon. One man was cautioned and another was arrested.

“In ordinary times, police will work with organisers and protestors to facilitate lawful and peaceful protests, however, these are not ordinary times.

“The Health Protection Regulations are there to protect us all during this pandemic, particularly when there are increased restrictions in place. It is everyone’s responsibility to adhere to them to protect our society.”

SDLP Foyle MLA Sinéad McLaughlin claimed such rallies were “irresponsible”.

“It is encouraging people to take risks with their health and potentially exposing the most vulnerable people in society to an illness that can prove deadly and threatens ongoing harm through ‘long-Covid’,” she said, adding:

“Covid-19 is causing serious damage to the health, wellbeing and life expectancy of people here and elsewhere, but also to our economy. The best way of providing economic recovery is through taking the necessary steps to reduce the infection rate as fast as possible, so that people can safely and with confidence return to their use of the retail, leisure, hospitality and other businesses. It is not a choice between physical and economic health, but a matter of the two going together.”