The Metropolitan Police is facing harsh criticism for its handling of yesterday’s vigil in memory of Sarah Everard, with Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick facing calls to resign.
Sarah Everard was a 33-year-old woman who disappeared during her walk home from Clapham, London on 3 March. Her remains were discovered in woodland in Kent on 10 March. A police officer has since been charged with her kidnap and murder.
Her murder sparked outrage across social media, with the organisation Reclaim These Streets hosting a vigil in her memory.
The vigil took place at Clapham Common last night in memory of Everard, and in a bid to unite women against male oppressors.
While the vigil was intended to be a peaceful protest, police officers were filmed using violence and arresting women as they surrounded a bandstand where flowers had been placed.
Women being snatched by police at the vigil for Sarah Everard. Shameful, shameful scenes. pic.twitter.com/fyUqcfCyug
— Ash Sarkar (@AyoCaesar) March 13, 2021
In the early hours of this morning, Scotland Yard confirmed four women had been arrested for breaching lockdown restrictions.
Event organiser, Reclaim These Streets, officially cancelled its event after concerns over social distancing. They said how women across the country “are deeply saddened and angered by the scenes of police officers physically manhandling women at a vigil against male violence.”
Reclaim These Streets continued: “It is [the police’s] responsibility to protect public order, public health, and the right to protest – they have failed on all accounts.”
Questions have now been raised as to the legitimacy of the Metropolitan Police Force and how effective their actions were in protecting those who were protesting. Specific concerns have been raised against Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick who has been urged to resign.
Home Secretary, Priti Patel, described the footage as “upsetting” and has demanded a full report of last night’s events which is expected to be revealed today.
Labour leader, Keir Starmer, added that police reactions were “deeply disturbing” and that “this was not the way to police this protest.”
Women across the UK have been deeply saddened and angered by recent events, and this anger is unlikely to abate any time soon.
Madeleine Raine
Featured image courtesy of Shade Jay via Unsplash. Image license is available here. This image has in no way been altered.
Peaceful protests are more valuable and more effective. These movements are what make a stand be heard. It makes volunteers and participants respect the law, but it will establish safety for all; being violent will only worsen the situation and not make any changes.
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