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Protesters held signs that read: “When Tyranny Becomes Law, Resistance Becomes Duty”
London:
Thousands of anti-lockdown protesters showed up in London’s Trafalgar Square on Saturday for a rally called “We do not give our consent” to protest against restrictions imposed to control the spread of the coronavirus, including the current “rule of six” limiting gatherings. up to a maximum of six people.
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement warning that it would intensify patrols in accordance with planned demonstrations, even as it reminded the public that such gatherings could violate regulations designed to protect people from the virus.
It is illegal for people to gather in groups of more than six, unless they are exempt. While the protest is one of those exemptions, organizers must submit a risk assessment and must comply with social distancing.
“Officers, of course, will continue to use the approach of engaging, explaining, and encouraging people to follow regulations. However, if people do not comply and continue to put themselves at risk, officers will take enforcement action,” the commander said. Ade. Adelekan, who leads the Metropolitan Police operation on Saturday.
“I know there is great frustration with these regulations, but they have been designed to keep everyone safe from what is a lethal virus. By flagrantly gathering in large numbers and ignoring social distancing, you are putting your health and the health of your loved ones at risk, “he said.
The police force said its officers will take enforcement action if crowds do not comply with officers and put the health of others and, indeed, police officers at risk.
“The Met will also not tolerate the level of violence and hostility that has recently been shown to police officers and other members of the public,” it said in a statement.
Several highly trained law enforcement officers, as well as mounted officers, will be among the highly visible police presence across central London, responding “quickly” to breaches of coronavirus regulations and scenes of violence, it noted.
Meanwhile, protesters could be seen holding signs that read: “When tyranny becomes law, resistance becomes duty”, “Unmask the truth” and “No more lies, no more masks, no more confinements” , while shouting “take off your mask”. rang out loud.
Last weekend, a similar anti-lockdown protest turned violent and resulted in 32 arrests.
“Last weekend it was very disappointing to see a small minority of protesters attacking officers with violence. Some 15 officers were injured during this protest, with more than 32 arrests during the day. I will not tolerate a repeat of this behavior. this weekend and officers will respond quickly to any scene of violence, “added Commander Adekelan.
Saturday’s rally comes as London Mayor Sadiq Khan called for tougher restrictions on the UK capital, which is now on the government’s Covid-19 watch list.
All of its districts are now part of 92 areas of concern across the UK, where the death toll from the deadly virus is approaching 42,000 and infection rates continue on an upward trajectory.
Much of Britain is already under strict localized lockdowns, with more than a quarter of the population facing restrictions as new rules come into effect this weekend.
