close
Tuesday, March 16, 2021

UK pushing new law that could prevent protests

The bill proposes new conditions on “one-person protests,” which would authorize security agencies to end the demonstration of a single person if the protests constitute a nuisance in the

• March 16, 2021
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson [Photo Credit: NBC News]

The UK government is discussing a bill to give the police and ministers new powers that could potentially limit the ability of citizens to protest.

The legislation is being discussed in Parliament this week, just days after officers from London’s Metropolitan Police physically restrained attendees who protested the death of Sarah Everard. The vigil had been declared unlawful due to coronavirus restrictions and the main London force tussled with some protesters.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill 2021 covers a range of issues and will be discussed at the House of Commons as its second reading on Tuesday. The bill proposes new conditions on “one-person protests,” which would authorize security agencies to end the demonstration of a single person if the protests constitute a nuisance in the area it is being held.

That, the bill states, might include an act that “obstructs the public or a section of the public in the exercise or enjoyment of a right that may be exercised or enjoyed by the public at large.”

Sarah Everard went missing on March 3 after leaving a friend’s house in the evening. Her body was found almost two weeks later, and though an investigation was ordered into the policing of the vigil, there’s the general public outcry over the violence, harassment and intimidation that women face, including at the hands of police.

On Saturday, thousands of people gathered to protest around where she had been last seen, both to grieve and highlight the treatment of women. As the demonstration carried on, arguments broke out with police, who were demanding that attendees disperse due to coronavirus restrictions. Later, officers were filmed and photographed physically dragging people away and into police vans.

More from Peoples Gazette

Ibadan

Police charge notorious herdsman Wakili with murder, kidnapping

The warlord was arrested last week by operatives of the ethnic militia, OPC.

#EndSARS

CNN’s investigation on Lekki Tollgate shooting shortlisted for Amnesty Media Awards

The award which has been running for 29 years, aims at recognising the vital role journalists play and the serious risks they face.

#EndSARS

Police arraign two men for “hijacking” #EndSARS protest

The defendants are being charged with riot, disobedience to lawful order issued by the constituted authority and attempted arson.

States

Katsina: Immigration arrests human traffickers, rescue 18 victims

The suspects were arrested by NIS operatives following an intelligence report.

Economy

Bitcoin clears 40 percent of gold’s daily trade volume in 2021: Report

Average daily trade volume of bitcoin from January 1, 2021, to March 15, 2021, stood at $70.18 billion.

World

U.S. hails Nigerian women for advancing global development

Women’s History Month is celebrated during March in the U.S., the United Kingdom, and Australia, to mark the contributions of women to society.