Calls for Derry Black Lives Matter rally to be called off

In a statement the group said: "We all understand, support and acknowledge the reasons for wanting to host a rally in Guildhall Square at 3pm on Saturday, June 6 in support of the Black Lives Matter campaign.

"We realise that the organisers have asked for a socially-distanced gathering, but we would urge the organisers to call this protest off.

"During the COVID-19 outbreak, the people of our city have been exemplary in caring for each other by following all the guidelines from the Executive as we fight this pandemic and our efforts have undoubtedly saved lives.

"We want to ensure that front line workers are not put under more pressure from the potential spread of this deadly virus via mass gatherings, and people moving through the city in order to go to and from such events. Let’s find another way of supporting this very worthy cause."

SDLP leader Column Eastwood supported the call.

He said that while large gatherings are prohibited under the COVID-19 regulations, it’s important that people stay safe and prevent further transmission of the virus.

"The scenes of police brutality against the black community and peaceful protestors in the United States have been horrifying and outrageous.

"I know that people here feel the need to show their solidarity with the black community by standing with our BAME friends, family and neighbours. I feel that need too.

"But while lives are still being claimed by COVID-19, and evidence shows that disproportionate numbers of BAME people are having their lives taken by the virus, we have an obligation to think differently about how we show solidarity with the struggle for justice.

“Take a knee at your doorstep. Post a sign in your window. Share your support using social media. Think of ways to send a message of support that will not put others at risk. SDLP Civic leaders are working to light up our council buildings in a show of support as well.

"It’s also important, however, that there is depth to our solidarity. A tweet with a hashtag is meaningless if you aren’t willing to educate yourself about the systemic discrimination that BAME people face in the US and in Ireland everyday.

"If you can, donate to those organisations providing critical support to demonstrators in the US and the families of those who have been murdered. Give money to bail funds and support programmes. And most importantly, listen to the lived experiences of black people. Hear their story, amplify their voice, support their struggle."

Meanwhile protests elsewhere in the north have been called off.

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.

“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.”