DUP MLA hits out at ‘two-tier policing’ of coronavirus restrictions as PSNI say they will take no action over mass breaches

A DUP MLA has said that the public have been offered no clear explanation of why the PSNI is failing to act over obvious breaches of the lockdown law.
By Adam Kula
Published 4th Jun 2020, 20:03 BST
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd June 2020 - Pprotestors pictured at City Hall in Belfast at a mass demonstration after the death of George Floyd who died in policy custody in the United StatesPress Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd June 2020 - Pprotestors pictured at City Hall in Belfast at a mass demonstration after the death of George Floyd who died in policy custody in the United States
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 3rd June 2020 - Pprotestors pictured at City Hall in Belfast at a mass demonstration after the death of George Floyd who died in policy custody in the United States

The PSNI told the News Letter that an estimated 1,500 to 2,000 people attended the protest on Wednesday at Belfast City Hall against the killing of an unarmed black man, George Floyd, by a white officers in Minneapolis, USA, a week-and-a-half ago.

The police added officers had “engaged with the organiser before and during the event and maintained a presence throughout to assist with public safety”.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

When the coronavirus lockdown law came in on March 28, it banned any meetings of more than two people except in very limited circumstances (such as it being unavoidable for work).

The law also gave the police power to “take such action as is necessary” to enforce this, such as breaking up a meeting and ordering participants to go home.

Failure to obey was made a criminal offence.

This was changed on May 19 so “a person may participate in an outdoor gathering consisting of (i) up to six people who are not members of the same household; or (ii) any number of members of the same household”.

Quizzed about enforcement, Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “In balancing the rights of lawful assembly, lawful protest and understanding that the organiser did not intend or anticipate such a large number of attendees which ultimately led to the social distancing problem – it is our current view that the expenditure of thousands of hours of police time in seeking to put these matters before the PPS is unlikely to be proportionate in all the circumstances.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“This does not mean in any sense that this would be our position moving forward in other circumstances.”

Police were also asked if they had taken any action about what they had called “blatant” violations of the rules they had observed at a republican funeral in Ballinderry two months ago. They said the probe was “ongoing”.

At a meeting of the Policing Board today, PSNI Chief Constable Simon Byrne said his officers “had to balance a number of competing considerations” as they oversaw the City Hall rally.

He also went on to add: “We’re going to work with the organisers again in relation to the protest that is now planned for Saturday.”

BUNTING HITS OUT AT PSNI TOP BRASS:

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Afterwards, DUP Policing Board member Joanne Bunting said: “The PSNI have been keen to dismiss any perception of two-tier policing in how they enforce the Covid-19 regulations but the reality is events continue to be policed differently with little to no explanation to the public as to why.

“We are mindful of those who are grieving or who seek to exercise their right to protest peacefully.

“However scientific evidence and the current temporary regulations highlight that any large gathering is not only an offence but potentially detrimental to public health during this pandemic.

“It is wrong that there is inaction when it comes to large gatherings such as at republican funerals and City Hall on Wednesday, but increased police activity against other actions prohibited under the regulations.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“The public are well-informed to make their own judgement. Those making sacrifices to shield or work on the frontline aren’t taking the easy way out and neither should the PSNI. They must realise there cannot be one rule for some and another for everyone else.”

NEW PROTEST, DESPITE PLEAS:

The weekend looks set to see another demonstration in the centre of Belfast related to the death of George Floyd, despite the pleas of politicians.

A Facebook page called “United Against Racism Belfast”, at time of writing tonight, was calling for stewards for a gathering at 3pm in Custom House Square tomorrow.

The post read: “The successful social distancing will depend on people following all health guidelines and maintaining their own social distancing.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“But it will also depend on a group of stewards actively encouraging people to keep their distance and guiding them towards the available and marked out spaces.

“Please wear a mask and a high-visibility vest if you have one. We will have some spare ones on the day. Stewards will be gathering at Custom House Square before the event to prepare.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Subscribe to newsletter.co.uk and enjoy unlimited access to the best Northern Ireland and UK news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit https://www.newsletter.co.uk/subscriptions now to sign up.

Our journalism costs money and we rely on advertising, print and digital revenues to help to support them. By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Alistair Bushe

Editor