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A judge has refused to intervene in a dispute over whether police should allow a vigil for Sarah Everard on Saturday.
The police initially gave a “positive response” to the plans for a vigil, but the women behind the event claim that the Metropolitan Police later changed their position due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reclaim the Streets launched a legal challenge in High Court to overturn the decision to ban Saturday’s event on Clapham Common, south London.
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PM ‘shocked and appalled’ by Sarah Everard case
In his ruling, Judge Holgate said police had told organizers that the vigil “would be illegal” and that their “hands were tied” by COVID regulations.
The four plaintiffs were also warned that they could receive notices of fixed £ 10,000 fines and could be arrested, the judge added.
It rejected a request for “an interim statement” that any ban on outdoor gatherings, under coronavirus regulations, is “subject to the right to protest.”
He also declined to state that an alleged Met policy of “banning all protests, regardless of specific circumstances” is illegal.
The judge ruled that “the requirements of the law have been clearly established” in previous court decisions, including a challenge to COVID-19 lockdown rules put forward by businessman Simon Dolan, which were thrown out by the Court of Appeals in December.
But he added that there may be “more communication” between the organizer’s lawyers and Scotland Yard to discuss the “application of the regulations.”
Lana Adamou, a lawyer for the human rights group Liberty, said the sentence was “worrying” and added: “Safe and socially distanced demonstrations are perfectly possible and it is the duty of the police to facilitate them, not block them.”
Earlier on Friday, the detectives confirmed that the human remains found at Ashford, Kent, Wednesday is those of Mrs. Everard.
When asked about the case, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said he was “shocked and dismayed”, and that “the whole country is united in feelings for its friends and family.”
Johnson said she “totally understands why this has sparked such a wave of sentiment on this issue of women’s safety.”
The police have confirmed that the remains found in Kent are those of Mrs Everard
An on-duty meteorological officer remains in custody at a London police station after being arrested on suspicion of the kidnapping and murder of Everard.
Assistant Commissioner Nick Ephgrave said: “I know the public is hurt and angry about what has happened, and those are feelings that I personally share, and I know that my colleagues here at Scotland Yard and around the Met share as well.
“I also acknowledge the broader concerns that have been raised, quite rightly, about the safety of women in public spaces in London and in other parts of the country as well.
“I want to say now that this organization, and the men and women that comprise it, remain committed to protecting Londoners wherever they may be in this city.
“That commitment is not diminished by these events and, in any case, it is reinforced by these tragic circumstances.”
