London Black Lives Matter protest today after violent clashes last weekend as 24 charged over demos
BLACK Lives Matter protesters are expected in London again this weekend as demonstrations continue in the wake of George Floyd’s death. Last weekend pro-statue protesters clashed with cops and BLM groups in violent scuffles, with 24 people now charged over protests since May 16. Today police are preparing for large crowds to descend on the […]
BLACK Lives Matter protesters are expected in London again this weekend as demonstrations continue in the wake of George Floyd’s death.
Last weekend pro-statue protesters clashed with cops and BLM groups in violent scuffles, with 24 people now charged over protests since May 16.
Today police are preparing for large crowds to descend on the city, with the anti-racism group meeting at 1pm in Hyde Park.
Each week the demonstrators have been reminded of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and urged to wear masks and keep their distance if they protest.
Last Saturday pro-statue demonstrators tried to get to BLM protesters while police attempted to block them – before the two groups eventually clashed.
As the protests continued past the 5pm curfew, cops were seen standing guard outside Waterloo Station in full riot gear – while flares and smoke bombs were thrown between both groups and scraps broke out.
A BLM protester was pictured carrying a pro-statue demonstrator to safety after he got caught up in a counter group and was left injured.
There were more than 100 arrests in London after violence escalated.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted last weekend: “Racist thuggery has no place on our streets. Anyone attacking the police will be met with full force of the law.
“These marches & protests have been subverted by violence and breach current guidelines.
Some of those charged in protests since May 16
Daniel Allen from Sunderland, was charged with violent disorder and assaulting an emergency worker. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 15.
James Miekle of no fixed address, was charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency service worker. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 15, 2020.
Brendon Cummins, 18, of no fixed address, was charged with assaulting an emergency service worker. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 30, 2020
Christopher Scott, 28, from Southwark, was charged with two counts of assaulting an emergency service worker. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 8, 2020.
Ferirai Mzila, of no fixed address, was charged with assaulting an emergency service worker. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on June 15, 2020.
Piers Corbyn, 73, from Southwark, was charged with offences under the Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020. He is due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on August 20, 2020.
“Racism has no part in the UK and we must work together to make that a reality.”
Marches and protests are also expected in Glasgow and Birmingham today.
Police revealed that more than 100 officers in London have been assaulted since the end of May, with the Met urging protesters to remain peaceful.
Ahead of the demonstrations Commander Alex Murray said: “Whilst the vast majority of people who have attended demonstrations over the past few weeks were not violent, there have a small minority intent on violence against our officers and others, and this is completely unacceptable and we are working hard to bring offenders to justice.
“Officers will be making arrests if there is violence.
“We would encourage those planning to attend, to use your influence and spread the message that criminal activity and violence will undermine the messages you are wanting people to hear and must be avoided.
“We have a post investigation team who will gather all the available evidence and bring those identified to justice.”
He added that unlike last weekend, the police had no suggestion far-right groups would be attending any counter protests in London.
Last Saturday a group, made up of war veterans, football fans and far-right organisations including Britain First, massed in the city to protect statues after BLM pulled down a monument in Bristol and have demanded more are scrapped.
Some were filmed attacking police officers in Westminster, with a group of yobs caught on camera targeting a group of peaceful Hyde Park picnickers and spitting at them.
Many peaceful statue protests were carried out throughout the country, but in London the group clashed with BLM demonstrators – with many from both sides left bloody.
Video of Mr Floyd’s death has been viewed millions of times and has shocked the world, sparking protests.
In the clip, Mr Floyd is seen pinned to the ground by former cop Derek Chauvin, who has a knee across his neck.
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Mr Floyd is repeatedly heard saying he cannot not breathe, shouting “please, please” and “mama, mama” before going limp.
The dad-of-six- described as a “gentle giant” by his family – is then taken away by paramedics and was later pronounced dead.
Four days later Chauvin was charged with third-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter.