Cork demo axed while cops probe Dublin rally
Mural in Kenya
A BLACK Lives Matter protest due to be held in Cork today has been cancelled.
A second rally, organised for Monday at Grand Parade in the city, is still going ahead.
Meanwhile, gardai confirmed they are investigating a similar event held in Dublin.
Organisers of today’s demo said they believed the right to protest was essential, despite fears a large event of this kind is dangerous amid the current health crisis.
However, they added: “We feel the threat of prosecution to organisers and participants in the protest leaves us with no choice but to cancel.
PEACEFULLY
“Protest is not non-essential. The racist murder of George Floyd and the reality of racism in Ireland are urgent issues which we are completely justified in protesting against.”
The organisers insisted they had planned to protest peacefully and safely while wearing face masks and maintaining social distancing, although large gatherings are banned under government restrictions.
Meanwhile, gardai said there was no advance consultation with them in relation to last weekend’s Dublin protest.
However, they added organisers “at all times pro-actively engaged with An Garda Siochana during the event, the size of which substantially exceeded their expectations”.
A spokesperson said: “An Garda Siochana is investigating this matter and the advice of the DPP will be sought in respect of any further actions to be taken.”