Small group of people brave wet weather, defy police orders by assembling in Victoria Square to fight for racial equality
Frustrated protesters braved wet weather and defied police orders to assemble in Victoria Sq for a Black Lives Matter rally on Saturday, asking the Showdown was allowed to go ahead. SEE THE PHOTOS.
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A handful of people have braved the wet weather and defied police orders to assemble in Victoria Sq for a Black Lives Matter protest on Saturday.
Twenty-four protesters met at midday and formed a line where they chanted “black lives matter”.
Police kept a close eye on the gathering with mounted officers stationed in the area.
A SA Police spokeswoman said no cautions or fines were issued for COVID-19 breaches. “Whilst at one stage the total number of people was marginally at a point over 20, the protesters had arrived in smaller groups, with people coming and going at various times,” she said.
“The people who did attend were peaceful and most were wearing masks.”
An official second anti-racism rally was cancelled on Wednesday after SA Police refused to provide another exemption for the event.
One protester said he was angry because tonight’s Showdown at Adelaide Oval between the Power and Crows was still allowed to go ahead in front of a live audience of 2200 people.
SEE 10 MORE PHOTOS BELOW
“(It’s important to rally today) because the Police Commissioner’s not thrilled with the protest,” the man, who wished to remain anonymous, said.
“It’s still a pressing issue, we’re not going to be silenced and we’re not going to stop fighting for it. A little bit of rain isn’t going to stop us.
“We’re trying our best, they’re trying their best, why shouldn’t they approve this.”
The group was careful to follow social distancing guidelines and most wore protective masks.
Another protester, Gina, said: “I think the essence of protesting is to be against something and if the police aren’t with us then they’re not listening.”
The first Adelaide protest – part of a global movement sparked by the death of black American George Floyd, 46, in Minneapolis – attracted controversy and hypocrisy claims after Police Commissioner Grant Stevens granted a special, one-off exemption from COVID-19 social distancing restrictions.
