Sturgeon urges Floyd protesters to use alternative tactics
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has urged those protesting over the death of George Floyd to find an alternative to physical gatherings.
Speaking at her daily briefing yesterday in Edinburgh, the First Minister said she sympathised with those looking to protest after the 46-year-old African American man died in police custody in the US state of Minnesota, but warned of the risks from large gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic. The statement came with Edinburgh and Glasgow set to today host ‘Take a knee for George Floyd’ – a socially distanced protest organised by Stand Up To Racism (SUTR).
SUTR has called for a coordinated protest at 6pm across the UK, saying the action is “against police brutality, to demand justice for George Floyd and against the disproportionate BME deaths from Covid-19”.
Mr Floyd, whose death was captured by onlookers on their phones, could be heard pleading for air as a police officer was seen kneeling on his neck in the city of Minneapolis.
One of the officers involved, Derek Chauvin, was charged with third degree murder and manslaughter and is due in court next week. As a result, protests have sprung up across the United States – where 5,600 arrests have been made – and internationally.
The First Minister, who expressed her solidarity with those looking to take part in protests honouring Mr Floyd, said they should look to alternatives to tackle the spread of coronavirus. She said: “Right now, it is the case, unfortunately and regrettably, that large gatherings of people could pose a risk to health and indeed to life.
“Unfortunately, that’s the case whether it is a peaceful protest or a football match or any other gathering where people are coming together in close proximity.
“What I would say to those who want to protest, and I say this as an ally and supporter, is that we need to find ways of allowing people to make their voices heard and to make the points that many of us want to be made and to be heard right now, but to do so in a way that is safe and is not putting people protesting or wider communities at risk.”
Ms Sturgeon said protesters should look at ways that would allow them to send a “very strong and unequivocal message” safely.
The First Minister added the Scottish Government, as well as “authorities at local level”, would be willing to offer guidance to protesters about what they can do. She said: “All of us feel a very strong desire to stand in solidarity with those protesting racism.”