Protests ‘against unjustifiable death in US risk unjustifiable deaths in NI’
A senior police officer has warned that protests over the death of George Floyd in the US risk causing coronavirus-related deaths in Northern Ireland.
Demonstrations have been held around the world amid an outpouring of anger over racism and police brutality in America.
Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black man, died in police custody in Minneapolis last month.
Video footage showed him face down on the ground with his arms behind his back and a white officer’s knee on his neck for almost nine minutes.
Mr Floyd repeatedly pleaded with police, saying: “Please, please, please, I can’t breathe. Please, man.”
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said on Friday that “in normal circumstances”, police would work with organisers to facilitate peaceful protests.
However, he added that “these are not ordinary times”.
Protests have already been held, including in Belfast where a vigil paid tribute to Mr Floyd at Writers’ Square on Sunday night.
The largest demonstration came on Wednesday, when thousands of people bearing placards converged outside Belfast City Hall.
Many chanted “I can’t breathe” and “No justice, no peace” amid growing support for the Black Lives Matter campaign.
Those involved have encouraged social distancing and the wearing of masks.
But ACC Todd has warned that such gatherings are a risk to public health and in breach of current coronavirus regulations.
He said events planned for Newry, Portadown and Omagh this weekend have now been cancelled by the organisers following engagement with the PSNI.
ACC Todd called for those thinking of attending protests to instead “find more responsible and innovative ways to make their voice heard”.
He added: “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.”
Warning that there would be consequences for those who do not heed advice and break the law, ACC Todd said fines could be issued or people put 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,” he said.
“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.”
In the US, protests have at times descended into chaos, turning to violence and rioting, with cities burning while curfews had to be imposed.
At one point, President Donald Trump was rushed to a White House bunker by Secret Service agents as hundreds of protestors gathered outside.
The officers involved in George Floyd's death were all fired, but only one - Derek Chauvin - was charged, initially with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.
His charge has since been upgraded to second-degree murder.
The other three officers - Thomas Lane, J Kueng, and Tou Thao - have also now been charged, with aiding and abetting second-degree murder.