We kettled New Scotland Yard. It was estimated that we needed between 300 – 600 people to kettle New Scotland Yard (and that was based either holding hands or linking arms). But we did it.
There was around 2,000 people (maybe more…). We marched from Trafalgar Square, passed Downing Street, then onto Parliament Square where we showed solidarity and cheered Tamil protesters who also reciprocated by cheering back.
The demo was loud, lively and angry. We chanted ‘disband the TSG’ and ‘how many skulls have you cracked today’. And ‘no justice, no peace’!! The cops were lurking in the background including the TSG, who incidentally, were wearing their numbers.
Later, it was discovered 2 demonstraters towards the back were arrested, I don’t know why. But do the cops need a reason..?!?!
Part of the kettle
We got to New Scotland Yard where we kettled New Scotland Yard. Protesters encircled the whole of the building, a political symbolic gesture, the cops just stood there and watched. We held a minute’s silence for people who have died in the custody of the police.
Balloons released
Marcia and Samantha Rigg read out names of people who have died in police custody and then we released balloons to remember the dead. Speakers included the Green Party, the families of Roger Sylvester, Ricky Bishop, Sean Rigg and Brother Minkah.
The day was sombre, poignant, powerful and angry….
It was announced that there will be a protest outside the IPCC on the 10th July.
May 24, 2009 at 1:44 am |
Silent tears… and Respect.
May 24, 2009 at 9:11 am |
Talking about calling the kettle black. I bet the cops felt right trapped in by you monsters.
May 24, 2009 at 12:42 pm |
Monsters? The only monsterous aspect to this all is the grief that these families share. That and your statement that is severely LACKING of any compassion Jimmy.
Considering the circumstances under which some of these people have lost loved ones, I think they restrain their anger exceptionally well.
Walk a moment in their shoes.
Imagine your mother/father/brother/sister/child being killed in police custody. Do you stand a chance in uncovering the truth? If they were murdered by a non-badge yielding member of society you would expect honesty, a fair trial and justice to prevail. This is not the case for all these families and friends.
Perhaps it is the pot calling in the kettle black. Perhaps not. But if it is, and your opinion of these people is that they are “monsters” then I ask what your opinion is of the people are meant to protect you and your loved one? The police force. Hmmm….
May 24, 2009 at 1:28 pm |
Awesome photos.
And Jimmy, protesters monsters? They sure do look scary in those photos. Get a life.
May 25, 2009 at 5:44 am |
Cop 1: Wow what’s this?
Cop:2: It’s a kettle parade. They’ve surrounded the yard and they want us to pick the top five monsters.
Cop 1: Bloody hell .. wait .. that one over there is one for sure.
Cop 2:Yea I’ll agree with you. What do we do when we’ve picked them?
Cop 1: We just arrest them for anything.. they expect that
Cop 2: Wont they complain?
Cop 1: Of course but nobody will believe them cos they’re monsters.
May 25, 2009 at 9:02 pm |
Respect to every individual person taking part and for a non-violent protest. It is always so great to see people supporting a genuine cause and being civil about it as opposed to the Brixton riots.
It is so easy to get involved with a large group protest where after the tensions in that group rise then resulting in severe violence as everyone acting as part of a group.
The protest was about sticking up against police brutality and violence and the way it was successful is because you kept it violence free so you don’t contradict your purpose there.
It just goes to show that donating your time can have a massive effect. We need to do something similar regarding MP expenses! How about bringing the entire SW1 to a standstill?