Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Watchdog probes distancing fines
THE police watchdog has launched an investigation into how social distancing has been enforced to see if the PSNI “have been consistent in its approach”. The Ombudsman’s Office said it is reviewing how officers and commanders used the Coronavirus Public Health Regulations at large public gatherings and how they issued fixed penalty notices at the events. Ombudsman Marie Anderson said the move “follows complaints from members of the public who attended Black Lives Matter protests at Customs House Square, Belfast, and Guildhall Square in Derry on June 6” She added her investigation will focus on the “policy and how it was and is being implemented, including how it is communicated to officers ‘on the ground”. Mrs Anderson added: “It is in the public interest that there be an independent assessment as to whether the associated police policy is being applied consistently. “If we identify inconsistences and can make recommendations which will help improve policing of public gatherings, we will do so promptly. “If we identify there have been good reasons for taking different approaches on occasions, that is something the public should know and understand.” Amnesty International’s Patrick Corrigan welcomed the “investigation into apparently inconsistent policing”. He added: “We have received complaints from the public who have been fined and threatened with prosecution as a result of participation in peaceful, socially-distanced Black Lives Matter protests in Belfast and Derry. “The right to peacefully protest is a fundamental human right and people must be allowed to take a stand against racism without being criminalised.”