Authorities show double standards by fining peaceful protesters while failing to act against law breakers

IT’S very concerning indeed to hear reports about people who attended anti-racist Black Lives Matter protests in Belfast and Derry who were issued with fines and threats of prosecution.

It’s worth noting that, while one protest on June 6 was widely commented on for respecting and implementing measures to protect social distancing, a protest outside Belfast City Hall on June 13 was not. Yet, seemingly, no fines, or threats of prosecutions, were issued at or after it.

The fact that the police responded to one BLM protest with a heavy hand, but not another separate protest, really blows apart the myth that the PSNI’S approach on June 6 was “proportionate”.

It’s even more concerning that, less than 24 hours before the protest took place, Stormont implemented an emergency amendment (without a debate, or vote) that granted the PSNI enforcement powers to fine protesters.

This is very concerning and various human rights organisations have condemned it.

How many times have we heard the Executive bemoan that they cannot intervene in unsafe working conditions or dangerous care homes? Yet, in a matter of hours, they can pass emergency legislation to penalise peaceful, socially distant, anti-racist protests.

No such tactics have been used against people congregating at Ikea or on beaches. There have been no police swoops on business premises, where workers are forced to work despite fears for their safety.

The fines should be dropped immediately. There should be no prosecutions for organisers of these righteous protests. Black Lives Matter.