Met Police defends dealing with of Sarah Everard vigil after excessive court docket problem launched in opposition to pressure
The Metropolitan Police has defended its dealing with of a vigil for Sarah Everard, which occurred whereas COVID restrictions have been in place, after the organisers introduced a authorized problem in opposition to the pressure.
Reclaim These Streets (RTS) proposed a socially distanced vigil for the 33-year-old, who was murdered by former Met officer Wayne Couzens, in Clapham, south London, in March final yr.
Underneath the COVID-19 lockdown guidelines in England on the time of the deliberate vigil, folks have been largely required to remain at residence and will solely collect in bigger teams for restricted causes, similar to funerals or for training.
Police may break up unlawful gatherings and subject fines of £10,000 to somebody holding a gathering of greater than 30 folks.
The 4 girls who based RTS withdrew from organising the occasion, which was additionally meant as a protest about violence in opposition to girls.
All of them say they confronted fines of as much as £10,000 every after the pressure instructed them it will be an unlawful gathering beneath lockdown guidelines in place on the time.
A spontaneous vigil then befell on Clapham Frequent, for which the pressure got here beneath criticism over its policing earlier than being cleared by a police watchdog.
The pressure stated in a press release: “All through the pandemic, officers labored to steadiness the necessity to safeguard the general public at giant from COVID, with the rights of people protected by the Human Rights Act 1998.
“Policing of public order occasions is extremely complicated and is likely one of the most scrutinised areas of legislation enforcement. We consider we’re world leaders on this space.”
