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George Floyd: Barr denies police are systemically racist as protests sweep US – live George Floyd: Barr denies police are systemically racist as protests sweep US – live
(32 minutes later)
Peaceful protests sweep US as calls for racial justice reach new heightsPeaceful protests sweep US as calls for racial justice reach new heights
Philadelphia has become the latest city to lift its curfew:
The number of deaths from Covid-19 in America has reached 109,846, with confirmed cases now numbering 1,922,054, Johns Hopkins University data reveal.
New York City, the center of America’s Covid-19 outbreak, has suffered at least 21,294 deaths and 211,274 cases, according to the New York Times.
As US coronavirus fatalities are nearing the grim milestone of 110,000, reopening efforts are expanding across America. Meanwhile, ongoing mass protests over the killing of George Floyd have challenged social-distancing guidelines.
Questions over Covid-19 policy are perhaps most pressing in New York City, as it’s expected to start reopening on 8 June. Construction and manufacturing, in addition to retail conducted on the curbside or through in-store drop-off and pick-up, are poised to be permitted.
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which operates New York City’s subways and buses, has announced a 13-point plan. It includes mandatory face coverings, and the provision of masks, as well as intensified cleaning and disinfecting efforts. Service will be increased to enable social distancing. Hand sanitizer will be at stations throughout the system, ABC 7 reports.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio urged every resident to get tested for Covid, especially those who attended recent demonstrations. A mobile testing program is expected to launch in the coming days.
Meanwhile, public safety agencies are bracing for PTSD and trauma-related issues amongst first responders who fought the pandemic, ramping up access to mental health services, the New York Daily News reports.
Black Lives Matters protesters in Bristol have pulled down a statue of the slave trader Edward Colston.
Demonstrators in the British city attached a rope to the grade II listed statue on Colston Avenue on Sunday before pulling it to the ground as crowds cheered.
They then jumped on it and rolled it down the street to the harbour before pushing it into the river Avon.
The 18ft bronze statue, erected in 1895, has long been a focal point for anger at the city’s role in the slave trade and the continued commemoration of those who were involved in it.
A petition to remove it had garnered more than 11,000 signatures. It said: “Whilst history shouldn’t be forgotten, these people who benefited from the enslavement of individuals do not deserve the honour of a statue. This should be reserved for those who bring about positive change and who fight for peace, equality and social unity.”
Colston’s company transported more than 100,000 slaves from West Africa to the Caribbean and the Americas between 1672 and 1689, cramming them into ships to maximise profit.
The slaves, including women and children, were branded on their chests with the company’s initials, RAC. Unhygienic conditions, dehydration, dysentery and scurvy killed more than 20,000 during the crossings and their bodies were thrown overboard.
You can read the full story here:
Guardian columnist Nesrine Malik offers a counterpoint to US attorney general William Barr’s assertion that systemic racism does not exist in American law enforcement:
When a black CNN reporter was arrested live on air last week while covering the protests in Minneapolis, it was met with denunciation that something like this could happen in the US. It was “a sign of American disintegration”, wrote the Washington Post. The head of civil liberties group PEN America called it a “dystopian spectacle”. On social media, the accompanying indignation to his arrest was that: “This is America, arresting journalists for doing their job doesn’t happen here.” But the list of things that don’t supposedly happen in America continues to grow. Peaceful protesters don’t get teargassed: this is America. Presidents don’t threaten to unleash troops on those protesting against killing and oppression: this is America.
For black and minority ethnic people, the country has always been the America of an immune police force, white supremacy and a legal system that protects only those who can afford it. The Trump administration is simply suspending convention, ditching the pretence of pious protocol and ritual that has always been central to the survival of the “not in America” myth. This has always been America, what’s different is that it no longer feels the need to hide its true nature.
Since Donald Trump became president, non-Americans have taken to drawing tongue-in-cheek comparisons between America and Arab dictatorships – its fetishising of the military, its president’s clumsy and vulgar stabs at religiosity, its centuries-old ethnic tension erupting in clashes – but even these jokes now wear thin. Because since George Floyd’s death, since the government and institutions of sanctioned violence have bared their teeth, the US’s flattering view of itself has taken such a battering that jokes are no longer needed to do the job.
Those clutching their pearls at assaults on the media and police brutality hold dear the belief that America’s inherent virtue will prevail, even as police officers hammer it with batons on mobile phone footage. American exceptionalism is the proverbial cockroach weathering a nuclear attack – it survives everything. It survives school shootings, the suspension of due process in Guantánamo Bay, and the torture and killing of millions of innocent civilians from Vietnam to Iraq. It is at this moment surviving despite the US having the highest coronavirus death toll in the world.
You can read the full article below:
Thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters have gathered outside the US embassy in London. Here’s video of the demonstration:Thousands of Black Lives Matter protesters have gathered outside the US embassy in London. Here’s video of the demonstration:
You can read more on the protests in London here:You can read more on the protests in London here:
Admiral James Stavridis, the former supreme allied commander at Nato, has joined the growing lost of retired US military leaders to condemn Donald Trump. Admiral James Stavridis, the former supreme allied commander at Nato, has joined the growing list of retired US military leaders to condemn Donald Trump.
The president has talked about “dominating” protesters over the last few weeks. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Stavridis dismissed Trump’s comments. “This is not a battlespace to be dominated. These are zones of protest to be protected,” he said.The president has talked about “dominating” protesters over the last few weeks. During an appearance on NBC’s Meet the Press, Stavridis dismissed Trump’s comments. “This is not a battlespace to be dominated. These are zones of protest to be protected,” he said.
He was also asked what advice he would give General Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, if Trump wants to invoke the Insurrection Act.He was also asked what advice he would give General Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, if Trump wants to invoke the Insurrection Act.
“As an active-duty officer, he’s really got two choices here,” said Stavridis. “One is to follow the orders, and the other is to reach up on to his shoulder, grab those four stars and say ‘Sir. I cannot execute that order. I believe it violates my conscience, my view. I gave you my best military advice. You’ve rejected it.’ That’s a very hard place for any active-duty military officer to go. I hope General Milley doesn’t have to hit that point.”“As an active-duty officer, he’s really got two choices here,” said Stavridis. “One is to follow the orders, and the other is to reach up on to his shoulder, grab those four stars and say ‘Sir. I cannot execute that order. I believe it violates my conscience, my view. I gave you my best military advice. You’ve rejected it.’ That’s a very hard place for any active-duty military officer to go. I hope General Milley doesn’t have to hit that point.”
Barr denies White House protesters were peaceful.Barr denies White House protesters were peaceful.
One of the most controversial moments of the protests over the last week came when law enforcement used pepper spray and rubber bullets to clear a crowd at Lafayette Square near the White House, so that Donald Trump could pose for a photo outside a local church.One of the most controversial moments of the protests over the last week came when law enforcement used pepper spray and rubber bullets to clear a crowd at Lafayette Square near the White House, so that Donald Trump could pose for a photo outside a local church.
CBS’s Margaret Brennan said three of her colleagues had been in Lafayette Square and the protest had been peaceful. “They were not peaceful protesters,” said Barr, who has been accused for ordering the clearing of the crowd. “And that’s one of the big lies that the- the media is- seems to be perpetuating at this point ... Police have to move protesters, sometimes peaceful demonstrators, for a short distance in order to accomplish public safety, and that’s what was done here.”CBS’s Margaret Brennan said three of her colleagues had been in Lafayette Square and the protest had been peaceful. “They were not peaceful protesters,” said Barr, who has been accused for ordering the clearing of the crowd. “And that’s one of the big lies that the- the media is- seems to be perpetuating at this point ... Police have to move protesters, sometimes peaceful demonstrators, for a short distance in order to accomplish public safety, and that’s what was done here.”
He also denied that law enforcement had used chemical irritants on the crowd because “pepper spray is not a chemical irritant”. Police issued a similar denial last week before going back on their initial statement.He also denied that law enforcement had used chemical irritants on the crowd because “pepper spray is not a chemical irritant”. Police issued a similar denial last week before going back on their initial statement.
Brennan finished the interview by asking Barr if he would have done anything differently in hindsight. “I haven’t studied the events retrospectively in detail, but I think in general, you had the qualified law enforcement officials with shields warning and moving a line slowly. They had mounted officers moving slowly, directing people to move. And most people complied.”Brennan finished the interview by asking Barr if he would have done anything differently in hindsight. “I haven’t studied the events retrospectively in detail, but I think in general, you had the qualified law enforcement officials with shields warning and moving a line slowly. They had mounted officers moving slowly, directing people to move. And most people complied.”
Barr then agreed with Chad Wolf, the acting homeland security secretary, that there is no systemic racism in US law enforcement.Barr then agreed with Chad Wolf, the acting homeland security secretary, that there is no systemic racism in US law enforcement.
“I think there’s racism in the United States still but I don’t think that the law enforcement system is systemically racist,” said Barr. “I understand the ... the distrust, however, of the African American community given the history in this country. I think we have to recognize that for most of our history, our institutions were explicitly racist. Since the 1960s, I think we’ve been in a phase of reforming our institutions and making sure that they’re in sync with our laws and aren’t fighting a rearguard action to impose inequities.”“I think there’s racism in the United States still but I don’t think that the law enforcement system is systemically racist,” said Barr. “I understand the ... the distrust, however, of the African American community given the history in this country. I think we have to recognize that for most of our history, our institutions were explicitly racist. Since the 1960s, I think we’ve been in a phase of reforming our institutions and making sure that they’re in sync with our laws and aren’t fighting a rearguard action to impose inequities.”
Barr added that he thinks policies to address racism within the police are working. “I think the reform is a difficult task, but I think it is working and progress has been made,” said Barr. “I think one of the best examples is the military. The military used to be explicitly racist institution. And now I think it’s in the vanguard of bringing the races together and providing equal opportunity. I think law enforcement has been going through the same process.”Barr added that he thinks policies to address racism within the police are working. “I think the reform is a difficult task, but I think it is working and progress has been made,” said Barr. “I think one of the best examples is the military. The military used to be explicitly racist institution. And now I think it’s in the vanguard of bringing the races together and providing equal opportunity. I think law enforcement has been going through the same process.”
The Guardian’s Ed Pilkington has looked at how Donald Trump’s policies have harmed efforts to reform the police:The Guardian’s Ed Pilkington has looked at how Donald Trump’s policies have harmed efforts to reform the police:
US attorney general says troops were only a last resort.US attorney general says troops were only a last resort.
The US attorney general, William Barr, has appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation to talk about the White House’s response to protests against the death of George Floyd in Washington DC. He was first asked about the decision to have military troops on standby to respond to US citizens exercising their right to protest.The US attorney general, William Barr, has appeared on CBS’s Face the Nation to talk about the White House’s response to protests against the death of George Floyd in Washington DC. He was first asked about the decision to have military troops on standby to respond to US citizens exercising their right to protest.
“I think our position was common, which was that they should only be deployed ... as a last resort and that we didn’t think we would need them. I think everyone was on the same page,” he said.“I think our position was common, which was that they should only be deployed ... as a last resort and that we didn’t think we would need them. I think everyone was on the same page,” he said.
Reports emerged last week that Donald Trump wanted 10,000 active troops to be ordered on to the streets of America to police the protests. Barr denied that accusation on Sunday. “The president never asked or suggested that we needed to deploy regular troops at that point,” he said.Reports emerged last week that Donald Trump wanted 10,000 active troops to be ordered on to the streets of America to police the protests. Barr denied that accusation on Sunday. “The president never asked or suggested that we needed to deploy regular troops at that point,” he said.
As protests following the killing of George Floyd sweep US cities on a scale not seen in decades, there is huge debate around what reforms police forces must make, amid surging support to defund them. Some police departments have taken steps to address long-criticized tactics and excessive use-of-force.As protests following the killing of George Floyd sweep US cities on a scale not seen in decades, there is huge debate around what reforms police forces must make, amid surging support to defund them. Some police departments have taken steps to address long-criticized tactics and excessive use-of-force.
Bystander video showed how now-fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck until he stopped moving. Minneapolis agreed on 5 June to bar chokeholds and neck restraints by police. The city council also agreed to a requirement that officers try stopping colleagues from engaging in improper use of force, reports the Associated Press. The reforms, part of an agreement between Minneapolis and Minnesota’s Department of Human Rights, require court approval. But unlike the police department’s present regulations – which already call for officers to try stopping misuse of force – this change would be enforceable in court, per AP.Bystander video showed how now-fired Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck until he stopped moving. Minneapolis agreed on 5 June to bar chokeholds and neck restraints by police. The city council also agreed to a requirement that officers try stopping colleagues from engaging in improper use of force, reports the Associated Press. The reforms, part of an agreement between Minneapolis and Minnesota’s Department of Human Rights, require court approval. But unlike the police department’s present regulations – which already call for officers to try stopping misuse of force – this change would be enforceable in court, per AP.
The Los Angeles Times reports more than one dozen California police agencies have recently announced that they would prevent officers from employing carotid neck restraints. California governor Gavin Newsom said that he’s directing police agencies to cease training officers in carotid restraints.The Los Angeles Times reports more than one dozen California police agencies have recently announced that they would prevent officers from employing carotid neck restraints. California governor Gavin Newsom said that he’s directing police agencies to cease training officers in carotid restraints.
Dallas, Texas officials announced on 5 June that chokeholds – and any airway-restricting techniques – would be formally barred. The city also said it would implement by 12 June a mandate to warn people before shooting. Previously, police officials said they had enacted a policy mandating that officers intervene in situations with inappropriate use-of-force, reports the Dallas Morning News.Dallas, Texas officials announced on 5 June that chokeholds – and any airway-restricting techniques – would be formally barred. The city also said it would implement by 12 June a mandate to warn people before shooting. Previously, police officials said they had enacted a policy mandating that officers intervene in situations with inappropriate use-of-force, reports the Dallas Morning News.
The Reno, Nevada police department on 5 June announced immediate policy changes, such as barring tactics that restrict breathing and revamped guidelines on deescalation. The changes also include giving persons “other warning options” prior to using deadly force, AP reports.The Reno, Nevada police department on 5 June announced immediate policy changes, such as barring tactics that restrict breathing and revamped guidelines on deescalation. The changes also include giving persons “other warning options” prior to using deadly force, AP reports.
Chad Wolf, the acting homeland security secretary, says he does not belief there is systemic racism within US police. Wolf was asked the question on ABC’s This Week on Sunday, by host Martha Raddatz, who pointed out African Americans are killed by police at twice the rate of white Americans.Chad Wolf, the acting homeland security secretary, says he does not belief there is systemic racism within US police. Wolf was asked the question on ABC’s This Week on Sunday, by host Martha Raddatz, who pointed out African Americans are killed by police at twice the rate of white Americans.
“I do not think that we have a systemic racism problem with law enforcement officers across this country,” said Wolf. “Do I acknowledge that there are some law enforcement officers that abuse their jobs? Yes. And again, we need to hold those accountable. And I would say that there are individuals in every profession across this country that probably abuse their authority and their power ...“I do not think that we have a systemic racism problem with law enforcement officers across this country,” said Wolf. “Do I acknowledge that there are some law enforcement officers that abuse their jobs? Yes. And again, we need to hold those accountable. And I would say that there are individuals in every profession across this country that probably abuse their authority and their power ...
“I think painting law enforcement with a broad brush of systemic racism is really a disservice to the men and women who put on the badge, the uniform every day. Risk their lives every day to protect the American people, to protect them so that they can go to school. They can have a business and come home safe to their families. So I think we need to keep that in mind as well.”“I think painting law enforcement with a broad brush of systemic racism is really a disservice to the men and women who put on the badge, the uniform every day. Risk their lives every day to protect the American people, to protect them so that they can go to school. They can have a business and come home safe to their families. So I think we need to keep that in mind as well.”
Florida congresswoman and former Orlando police chief, Val Demings, was also on the show and disagreed with Wolf’s comments.Florida congresswoman and former Orlando police chief, Val Demings, was also on the show and disagreed with Wolf’s comments.
“If we’re going to solve some of America’s toughest problems, we’ve got to be painfully honest about what those problems are,” she said. “And we know that we have been fighting systemic racism in this country for 400 years. We know that it has found its – or reared its ugly head in law enforcement agencies, in housing, in education, in – in too many other places. And so while I heard what the secretary said, we have a lot of work to do. And systemic racism is always the ghost in the room.”“If we’re going to solve some of America’s toughest problems, we’ve got to be painfully honest about what those problems are,” she said. “And we know that we have been fighting systemic racism in this country for 400 years. We know that it has found its – or reared its ugly head in law enforcement agencies, in housing, in education, in – in too many other places. And so while I heard what the secretary said, we have a lot of work to do. And systemic racism is always the ghost in the room.”
Demings, who is a potential running mate for Joe Biden in November, spoke about her own experiences after a 27-year career as a police officer in Orlando.Demings, who is a potential running mate for Joe Biden in November, spoke about her own experiences after a 27-year career as a police officer in Orlando.
“I’ve worked beside some of the bravest men and women with hearts big as gold that America has to offer,” he said. “Was everybody perfect? Were we completely perfect? Of course not. But what I have seen across the nation involving law enforcement officers and their reaction, in many instances unprovoked, has been extremely troubling. And what we have to do as a nation is hold police accountable, provide the necessary oversight to do that, look at training standards, look at use of force policies, look at who we are hiring, look at diversity within those agencies, and come together and create legislation that will support initiatives like that.”“I’ve worked beside some of the bravest men and women with hearts big as gold that America has to offer,” he said. “Was everybody perfect? Were we completely perfect? Of course not. But what I have seen across the nation involving law enforcement officers and their reaction, in many instances unprovoked, has been extremely troubling. And what we have to do as a nation is hold police accountable, provide the necessary oversight to do that, look at training standards, look at use of force policies, look at who we are hiring, look at diversity within those agencies, and come together and create legislation that will support initiatives like that.”
Donald Trump has said the national guard are withdrawing from Washington DC.Donald Trump has said the national guard are withdrawing from Washington DC.
“I have just given an order for our National Guard to start the process of withdrawing from Washington, D.C., now that everything is under perfect control,” wrote the president on Twitter. “They will be going home, but can quickly return, if needed. Far fewer protesters showed up last night than anticipated!”“I have just given an order for our National Guard to start the process of withdrawing from Washington, D.C., now that everything is under perfect control,” wrote the president on Twitter. “They will be going home, but can quickly return, if needed. Far fewer protesters showed up last night than anticipated!”
The president also continued his tactic of positioning himself as a law and order candidate by saying Joe Biden would defund the police if elected president. “Not only will Sleepy Joe Biden DEFUND THE POLICE, but he will DEFUND OUR MILITARY!,” he tweeted. “He has no choice, the Dems are controlled by the Radical Left.”The president also continued his tactic of positioning himself as a law and order candidate by saying Joe Biden would defund the police if elected president. “Not only will Sleepy Joe Biden DEFUND THE POLICE, but he will DEFUND OUR MILITARY!,” he tweeted. “He has no choice, the Dems are controlled by the Radical Left.”
According to Reuters, Biden has in fact “called for a $300m investment in policing, contingent on officers mirroring the diversity of their communities.” However, Reuters also reported that Biden said he agreed with Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti’s plan to cut some of the city’s police budget and reinvest it in areas such as health and education. Biden, however, added that such decisions should vary from community to community.According to Reuters, Biden has in fact “called for a $300m investment in policing, contingent on officers mirroring the diversity of their communities.” However, Reuters also reported that Biden said he agreed with Los Angeles mayor Eric Garcetti’s plan to cut some of the city’s police budget and reinvest it in areas such as health and education. Biden, however, added that such decisions should vary from community to community.
You can read more about Trump’s decision to embrace law and order – and the similarity to tactics used by Richard Nixon – below:You can read more about Trump’s decision to embrace law and order – and the similarity to tactics used by Richard Nixon – below:
Our correspondent in Rome, Angela Giuffrida, has news of protests in Italy:
Demonstrators filled Rome’s Piazza del Popolo on Sunday, joining protests taking place across the world against racism.
People knelt down and remained there with their fists raised for eight minutes and 46 seconds in tribute to George Floyd, while chanting “I can’t breathe”.
There were placards bearing messages in English, including “No justice, no peace” and “we are all anti-fascist”. Protesters also called for citizenship rights to be granted to migrants in Italy. “They die in our house and we don’t even know their names: black lives matter,” read one sign.
The protest followed several smaller events in Rome and other Italian cities in recent days.
Meanwhile, in the UK, protesters in Bristol have pulled down a statue of Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader:
An NBC/Wall Street Journal poll conducted between in the days following the death of George Floyd shows 80% of voters believe the US is out of control.
“[It’s] one of the few things Americans can agree upon, and the one finding that we can definitively state given the tumult and torment of the past 12 days,” said Jeff Horwitt of Hart Research Associates, who helped conduct the poll, which was taken before job figures that were not as bad as some people feared were released last week.
Joe Biden maintained his lead over Donald Trump (49% to 42%) among voters in the poll, but the president’s approval rating remained steady in the mid-40s. “Those are remarkable findings that speak to the power of our partisan silos,” said Bill McInturff of Public Opinion Strategies, which also helped conduct the poll.
Biden led Trump among African Americans (82% to 9%), Latinos (57% to 33 %), women (56% to 35%), voters ages 18 to 34 (54% to 35%), whites with college degrees (52% to 39%), and those ages 65 and older (51% to 43%).
Trump, meanwhile, led with all white voters (49% to 43%), men (50% to 42%) and whites without college degrees (55% to 37%).
Trump still had better ratings on the economy compared to Biden (48% to 37%), while Biden held advantages in healthcare (49% to 34%) and uniting the country (51% to 26%).
Ben Carson, the secretary of housing and urban development, is now on CNN.
Carson says he is proud of those who peacefully protest and horrified by those looted after the killing of George Floyd.
Carson is asked about his call to unite the nation, and whether Trump’s demonising of his opponents on Twitter will help the US heal. “I would ask you to reserve judgement until you hear from the president,” he says.
Jake Tapper then asks Carson if he believes systemic racism exists in the US. Carson says he grew up in a time of systemic racism and there are racists now but it is easier now to address the problem than in the past. He says there are “rogue” police officers who are racist but most want to address the problem. He also says there are “anarchists” who want to destabilise the US, presumably a reference to Trump blaming trouble at protests on Antifa.
The former secretary state, and retired general, Colin Powell is on CNN’s State of the Union show.
He is asked about other generals who have criticized Donald Trump, such as James Mattis.
“You have to agree with [the criticism], look at what Trump has done to divide us,” says Powell. “He is being offensive to our allies ... so yes I agree with [Mattis and other generals who have criticized Trump] ... We have a Constitution. We have to follow that Constitution. And the president’s drifted away from it. I’m so proud of what these generals and admirals have done and others have done”
Powell then talks about the protests of the last few weeks. “We are at turning points,” he says. “The Republican party and the president thought they were immune and could say anything. He lies, he lies about things and he gets away with things because people [in the Republican party] will not hold him accountable.”
Powell, who was secretary of state under a Republican, George W Bush, is asked if he will vote for Joe Biden in November. “Biden is now the candidate and I will be voting for him,” he confirms. “...I think Trump has been not an effective president. He lies all the time. He began lying the day of the inauguration when we got into an argument about the size of the crowd that was there. People are writing books about his favorite thing of lying. And I don’t think that’s in our interest.”
Powell says the president is doing nothing to heal the country at a time of civil unrest. “He is not in any way that I recognize. He is always shooting towards his base,” says Powell.
Jake Tapper ends the interview by asking Powell why he thinks it is important that Trump is not reelected. “[Trump] lies all the time ... he began lying on inauguration day. Use your common sense, ask if this is good for your country before you ask if it’s good for you. Look at these protests, embrace them rather than curse them. Make America great for all Americans.”
Black Lives Matter protests are building across the UK for a second consecutive day, including in Edinburgh.
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio has lifted a citywide 8 pm curfew that drew extensive criticism for intensifying tensions between protesters and police -- including numerous accounts of brutality against participants in demonstrations following the killing of George Floyd.
De Blasio announced the change in a Tweet Sunday morning, which stated: “New York City: We are lifting the curfew, effective immediately. Yesterday and last night we saw the very best of our city.”
“Tomorrow we take the first big step to restart. Keep staying safe. Keep looking out for each other,” de Blasio’s post also said.
The curfew, which initially was from 11 pm to 5 am but made earlier following looting, was originally poised to end Sunday night, in keeping with the city’s gradual reopening. Police largely eased up on enforcing this curfew Saturday, as protesters continued to congregate after the deadline to return home.
On 8 June, New York City is poised to enter “Phase One” of re-opening, which means that construction and manufacturing, as well as retail conducted on the curbside or though in-store drop-off and pick-up, will be permitted.
Prague has witnessed its biggest public gathering in months after several hundred people marched through the city’s medieval streets demonstrating against racism and the killing of George Floyd.
Placard-carrying protesters chanting slogans including “Black Lives Matter” and “Goerge Floyd, say his name” congregated in the Czech capital’s landmark Old Town Square before marching to the US embassy in the Mala Strana neighbourhood.
Police officers wearing face-masks against the spread of Covid-19 escorted the marchers across the 600-year-old Charles Bridge, showing no reaction as demonstrators - many also wearing masks - shouted: “No justice, no peace. Fuck the police.”
Most of those present were white, including many foreign expatriates. The Czech Republic has a small ethnic minority population.
Saturday’s event - organised by a group called For Human Decency - had initially been cancelled amid continuing concerns about coronavirus but eventually went ahead following assurances about precautionary measures.
It was the first demonstration staged in Prague since the pandemic prompted the authorities to declare a state of emergency and impose a nationwide lockdown in March.
Public events of up to 300 people have been allowed since 22 May, as the lockdown has eased, with the requirement to wear masks outdoors lifted three days later. Gatherings of up to 500 will be permitted from Monday 8 June.
Several European cities have seen mass gatherings in sympathy with similar protests in the US following the death of Floyd, an African-American man who died in Minneapolis on 25 May after a white police officer knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
But Saturday appeared to mark the first time capitals of former communist countries had seen such events, with the exception of Berlin, which was divided between the communist east and capitalist west during the Cold War. A similar demonstration was reported on Saturday in Warsaw.
Last week, a protest was staged outside the US consulate in the Polish city of Krakow, where gatherers lit candles.
On Sunday, demonstrators reportedly gathered outside the US embassy in Budapest for what was described as “an anti-racism solidarity” protest.
George Floyd’s killing and the subsequent protests continue to be a powerful catalyst for conversations about race around the world. This morning in the UK, former Liverpool and England football John Barnes told Sky News’ Sophy Ridge on Sunday that structural racism in Britain was just as bad as in the US.
“[The UK] hasn’t got a problem like the US in terms of our policemen killing black people on the streets as we saw with George Floyd,” Barnes said. “However, in terms of the disenfranchisement of the inner cities, in terms of the black community not being given access to healthcare and so forth, jobs, housing, it’s exactly the same.”
He said that people should be “equally as outraged” about structural inequalities as individual incidents: “What we are witnessing in the US, which has outraged people, is the visible face of racism and the visible face of racism in terms of footballers being abused, the George Floyd situation and the police, it is an obvious and easy thing to be outraged about. We should be equally as outraged about the fact that our young blacks in inner cities aren’t given an education, they aren’t given housing and job promotion possibilities.”
“They were 48 minutes of mayhem that shook the republic,” writes my colleague David Smith of US president Donald Trump’s photo-op at St John’s church in Washington DC, in a piece published today.
You can read the full story here:
Hello, welcome to our live coverage of the ongoing protests against racism and police brutality in the US and around the world, now into their second week since the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis on 25 May.
On Saturday, hundreds of thousands of Americans took to the streets, in big cities and small towns, from coast to coast, marking one of the the largest and widest mobilisations yet.
You can read our wrap of the day here:
The demonstrations have continued into the early morning in some places on the west coast including in Seattle, one of the few cities to witness clashes between police and protesters on Saturday. Officers are reported to have fired stun grenades to disperse protesters and say they were targeted with rocks, bottles and improvised explosives. Journalists at the scene say there is an uneasy standoff between the two lines now but no violent flare ups.