Activists filled Parliament Square in the British capital on Saturday and opposed calls from government and police to stay at home to limit the spread of Covid-19.
The crowds came together to say Floyd’s name and “Black Life Matter,” and at one point took the directory together.
One of the protesters told CNN, “I think what’s happening in the U.S. is sparking everywhere, shining everywhere … I think George Floyd’s death has spread all over the world, and I think it’s amazing.” “Wherever you are, it’s a worldwide problem. There’s a problem everywhere, we all need to rise,” added another.
And despite warnings from politicians, mass meetings should not be held while the country is locked. “I fully understand the desire of people to express their views and have the right to protest this, but the reality is that we are experiencing a health epidemic across the UK,” British Interior Minister Priti Patel said in an interview with Sky on Saturday. News.
“I can say for those who want to protest, please don’t,” he said.
While little social distances were observed in the demonstration, it was seen that people distributed free masks and gloves to prevent protesters from spreading the virus.
According to the Metropolitan Police, roads leading to Parliament Square were “closed to protect both protesters and vehicles” entering the region; Despite being an important police officer, the officers were not wearing protective riot equipment.
Similar protests took place in France on Saturday.
Protesters in Paris said “Justice for George Floyd” and “Racism is also an epidemic”. and “being born black is not a crime,” he said, as they formed crowds outside the US Embassy.
Thousands of demonstrators gathered on the Champs de Mars in front of the Eiffel Tower.
French officials banned such rallies, citing health measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The US Embassy barricade was set up on Saturday morning to block public access.
However, the demonstrators gathered in Paris on Saturday and in other cities such as Lille, Marseille and Nice. French television stations showed that the police were burning tear gas and fighting with protesters in Lille.
CNN’s Ya Chun Wang and Arnaud Siad contributed to this report.
