The argument was about a vigil for Sarah Everard, a Londoner who was murdered by a police officer. However, this was prohibited with reference to the Corona rules in force at the time.
London – The London police, which have also come under criticism for their involvement in a demonstration by women’s rights activists, have suffered a defeat in court.
Scotland Yard violated women’s rights, the High Court in London ruled on Friday, upholding a lawsuit brought by the organization Reclaim These Streets.
The dispute was about a vigil for the murdered Londoner Sarah Everard. The women had planned to gather outdoors last spring after Everard, 33, was kidnapped and killed by a police officer. However, this was prohibited with reference to the Corona rules in force at the time – wrongly, as the court has now decided. The police did not adequately check whether the women had legitimate reasons for the gathering, the verdict said.
BREAKING: We have won our High Court case against the @metpoliceuk pic.twitter.com/1zMua3PQc2
— Reclaim These Streets (@ReclaimTS) March 11, 2022
The organizers had been threatened with prosecution and fines of up to £10,000 if they held the vigil. The women then withdrew their plans. Despite the cancellation, thousands spontaneously gathered for a vigil. The police cracked down on some demonstrators, and some women were handcuffed.
An investigation by the London police recently revealed major abuses. The Metropolitan Police has repeatedly come under criticism in recent years – among other things due to the discriminatory or misogynistic behavior of some police officers. There is also criticism of the police’s handling of lockdown parties in Downing Street. The investigation into this political scandal involving Prime Minister Boris Johnson is still ongoing. Former police chief Cressida Dick resigned a few weeks ago under pressure from London Mayor Sadiq Khan. Your successor is open. dpa
