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The London Black Lives Matter protest attracted thousands
Activists filled Parliament Square in the British capital on Saturday, opposing calls from the government and police that people should stay at home to limit the spread of Covid-19.
The crowd joined together to sing Floyd’s name and “Black Lives Matter,” at one point all kneeling in unison.
“I feel that what happened in the US was just a spark, which sparked everywhere … I think the death of George Floyd triggered it to the whole world and I think it is extraordinary,” said a protester told CNN. “This is a problem of the world, wherever you are. This is a problem everywhere, we all have to get up,” added another.
And that happened despite warnings from politicians that mass gatherings should not take place when the country is locked. “I fully understand the desire of people to express their views and have the right to protest, but the fact is, we are in a health pandemic all over the UK,” UK Home Secretary Priti Patel said Saturday in an interview with Sky News.
“I will say to those who want to protest, please don’t,” he added.
While a little social distance was observed at the demonstration, people were seen distributing masks and free gloves to protect the protesters from spreading the virus.
According to the Metropolitan Police, roads to Parliament Square were closed “to protect both protesters and vehicles” from entering the area; while there is a substantial police presence, officers do not use protective riot equipment.
Meanwhile, in Paris, a similar meeting took place on Saturday.
The protesters there carried banners reading “Justice for George Floyd” and “Racism is also a pandemic” when they formed a crowd outside the US embassy.
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