‘Without fear or favour’: Police prepare as hundreds expected at local Black Lives Matter vigil

Police are preparing for a Black Lives Matter protests around Tasmania as racial tensions and rioting reach boiling point in the U.S. after the death of George Floyd in police custody.

MORE than 800 people are expected to turn out to Black Lives Matter vigils across Tasmania on Saturday.

According to several Facebook events by Strong Blak Tasmania, around 700 people will peacefully protest on Parliament Lawns in Hobart.

More than 100 are expected to turn out to protest at Princess Square in Launceston. Another will take place at Devonport Bluff.

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The details of the Hobart event read: “A vigil to acknowledge and mourn the black deaths in custody here in so called Australia and to stand in peaceful solidarity with the uprising in the U. S .”

While in Launceston the details are:“Peaceful vigil in solidarity to our brothers and sisters in America. We will also have speakers discussing the issues of racism towards Aboriginal people in Australia, particularly within the justice system.”

Tasmania Police said it is aware of the vigils and demonstrations planned over the next few days, in line with the Black Lives Matter movement.

The events have been registered and are expected to be conducted peacefully and lawfully, according to police.

“We support and appreciate Tasmanians having the democratic right to protest, provided this is done legally and safely,” Assistant Commissioner Operations Jonathan Higgins said.

Assistant Commissioner Operations Jonathan Higgins said he expects the protests will happen peacefully and in line with social distancing measures. Picture Chris Kidd

“In the current climate that includes following the coronavirus restrictions and social distancing measures that are still in place.

“We regularly work with protest organisers to ensure any demonstration is safe and that members of the public can go about their lawful business.

“Tasmania Police officers are at the frontline serving our community every day. We do so without fear or favour – serving everyone regardless of who they are or where they have come from, whatever their background.

“As police officers we are committed to the values of our organisation – integrity, equity

and accountability.

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“We are lucky to have a high level of community trust in Tasmania, and we don’t take

that for granted.

“The community can have confidence that Tasmania Police is open and accountable and there are robust processes in place to facilitate complaints if and when they do arise.”