British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has promised on Sunday evening that the role played by the London police during the vigil for the murdered Sarah Everard will be investigated. Hundreds of people gathered on Saturday evening, which is in violation of the corona rules. The police then acted harshly, which led to riots between the police and some of the vigil participants.
Video images and photos on social media show how policemen restrain and handcuff activists. Four people were arrested for violation of corona rules and disturbance of public order. There are negative reactions from politicians to how the police handled the vigil.
“Like anyone who has seen it, I am very concerned about the images of Clapham Common on Saturday night,” said Johnson, referring to the South London park where the vigil took place. London Mayor Sadiq Khan calls the scenes “unacceptable”.
Enforcement led to “physical abuse”
The organization behind the vigil, Reclaim These Streets, is angry with the agents “who physically abuse women during a vigil against male violence.” Johnson said on Monday he would meet with a special justice task force to discuss violence against women.
According to the London police, enforcement was necessary. “We repeatedly asked those in attendance to comply with the laws and to leave. Unfortunately, a small minority started chanting, pushing and throwing things at the officers,” said Assistant Commissioner Helen Ball.
Sarah Everard disappeared on March 3 while traveling on foot 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. A thirty-year-old woman, presumably his wife, was arrested on suspicion of complicity.
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