Not safe to gather for marches, says FM

Nicola Sturgeon has said she may have attended anti-racism demonstrations in Scotland in the wake of George Floyd’s death in the US if not for the risk of spreading coronavirus.

The first minister reiterated calls she made earlier this week for people to find alternative ways to protest against racism this weekend.

Speaking at the Scottish Government’s coronavirus briefing in Edinburgh, Ms Sturgeon said: “I want to urge you to make your voices heard (in support of Black Lives Matter), we all feel very strongly about this, but I want to ask you do so safely.

“In normal times I may well have been planning to join a gathering of support this weekend, but coming together in mass gatherings right now is simply not safe.

“It poses a real risk to health and poses a real risk to life.”

She said people should pay attention to the joint statement issued by Kadijartu Johnson – whose brother Sheku Bayoh died in police custody in Scotland – lawyer and campaigner Aamer Anwar, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and Labour MSP Anas Sarwar.

It asks people to protest in different ways, such as online or via donations.

Mr Bayoh died aged 32 in 2015 after being restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy.

His sister – who is a nurse – said her family would have attended planned demonstrations in Scotland this weekend but the danger of spreading coronavirus is “still too great”.

Police Scotland Chief Constable Iain Livingstone told the briefing officers are in touch with the organisers of some of the planned events in cities this weekend.

Nicola Sturgeon said people should follow guidelines.