London police disagree with criticism of the intervention during a vigil for the murdered Sarah Everard. Officers were “forced into a position where enforcement was necessary,” police said on Sunday. Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday for a rally banned due to corona measures. The police then acted harshly.
The vigil was held in the park that Everard walked through just before her disappearance. She disappeared on March 3 while traveling in her hometown of London. Earlier this week, her body was found and 48-year-old agent Wayne Couzens was arrested as the prime suspect.
Police officers who tried to end the vigil on Saturday initially encountered loud resistance and a whistle concert. Eventually, there were riots between officers and some of the vigil participants. Videos and photos on social media show police officers restraining and handcuffing activists.
Four arrests
Four people were arrested for corona violation and public order disruption.
Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball pointed out in response that hundreds of people were crowded together, posing a high risk of spreading the coronavirus.
“We have repeatedly asked those present to comply with the laws and to leave,” said Ball. “Unfortunately, a small minority started yelling, pushing and throwing things at the officers.”
Vigil against violence by men
Reclaim These Streets, the organization behind the vigil, says it is angry about images of officers “physically assaulting women during a vigil against violence by men”.
Politicians also reacted disapprovingly to the approach of the police. Labor leader Keir Starmer called it “not a good way to maintain order”. London Mayor Sadiq Khan, a Starmer party member, called the police intervention “unacceptable”.
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