Thread by @AamerAnwar

The statement of Kadi (sister of Sheku Bayoh & a staff nurse) & myself in this thread as @NicolaSturgeon joins calls for #BlackLivesMatter physical demo not to take place but for alternative forms of protest whilst lives are still at risk #COVID19

“We totally understand the need to be on the streets and have been desperate to send solidarity in our thousands from Scotland to those fighting racial injustice in the USA, but also to highlight Justice for #ShekuBayoh here in Scotland...

But ultimately it is the slogan #BlackLivesMatter which has convinced us to say no. We believe at a time when so many are dying from COVID19, and the BAME community are disproportionately represented, it would not be right to protest in large numbers on the streets....

We have condemned the likes of Dominic Cummings or those protesting against lockdown, regulations are in place to save lives and protesting at this stage we believe would be far too dangerous.
Kadi- the sister of Sheku Bayoh who died in police custody 5 years ago is herself..

a nurse and stated the following;-
“In as much as my family would like to be part of the demonstrations taking place on Sunday for Black Lives Matter, I believe that danger of the spread of Coronavirus is still too great....

As a staff nurse I know the deadly impact of the virus and I would worry about social distancing on the day and the lives of my family and other lives being put at risk. Sadly we cannot attend, nor will we encourage others to go..

because we believe a virtual protest would be far more effective and involve those unable to attend because of the risk. I hope that you will join our campaign, we have fought for 5 years for justice for my dead brother Sheku and believe #BlackLivesMatter is as relevant in 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿