Ombudsman investigating policing of Black Lives Matter rally in Derry

The Police Ombudsman, Marie Anderson, has informed the Chief Constable, Department of Justice and the Policing Board of the investigation.

It follows complaints from members of the public who attended ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests at Customs House Square, Belfast, and Guildhall Square, Derry/Londonderry, on Saturday, June 6, 2020.

She said it will concentrate whether police have been consistent in their approach to issuing fixed penalty notices at large gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mrs. Anderson said her Office received complaints about the enforcement of the health regulations at the ‘Black Lives Matter’ protests when compared to other large gatherings such as those seen at beaches and at the “protect our statues" protest outside Belfast City Hall on Saturday, June 13 and concerns that police had not done enough to enforce the regulations.

She said: “The powers to enforce the public health regulations came under new legislation and there is the likelihood that they will continue to be enforced for many months to come.

"It is in the public interest that there be an independent assessment as to whether the associated police policy is being applied consistently.

"If we identify inconsistencies and can make recommendations which will help improve policing of public gatherings, we will do so promptly.

"If, however, we identify that there have been good reasons for taking different approaches on occasions, that is something the public should know and understand."

The legality of the fixed penalty notices is not a matter for the Police Ombudsman’s Office but rather one for the courts.