Thread by @BarristerAbi

Yday I was part of a panel providing some online training to those thinking of attending the protests this wknd. Organised by @ZayZee00!
On the panel were also @moniquebouffe, @RamyRaoof and @4FrontProject. We reached 200+ ppl. But some highlights for you (a thread)

1. The law in this area is, at best, grey. There could be an argument that the right to peaceful protest should be seen as a reasonable excuse, allowing gatherings of more than 6. But attend with caution. Y r u going? If you feel that you must, be wise

2. (From me) Remember that ethnic minority groups are at a higher risk of death from #COVID19 and we don't know why. Do not feel peer pressure to attend, ESPECIALLY if you live with people in vulnerable groups. You can fight structural racism in other ways

3. Remember the statistics: You are more likely to be stopped by the police if you are an ethnic minority, particularly if Black. x54 more likely to be fined if an ethnic minority too. Just bear this in mind when you consider your safety and determination to attend.

4. If you do go, know your rights. The police have been given a general directive to first: engage, explain and encourage before enforcing the law. So if an officer asks you to go home or to move along. Just do it.

5. Take water, snacks, a portable charger, dress comfortably and sensibly. Things that don't stand out. You're not there to draw attention to yourself, you're there to add to the numbers.

6. Think before you post photos and videos onto social media. Do you need to? Why? Whose faces are in there? Are you creating a risk to others by doing so? You likely are. Attend to attend, not to be seen and to show off to others.

7. If you are stopped by the police, be aware of stop and search rights. A very quick summary here from gov.uk's website: gov.uk/police-powers-….

8. A good way to know if it's a stop and search or a stop and account: ask "Am I being detained". Detention means it's a stop and search.

9. Have a list of protest experienced solicitors in your wallet. If taken to a police station, giving them the name of the firm should be sufficient:
@ITNSolicitors: 0203 909 8100
@hodgejonesallen: 0844 848 0222
@CommonsLegal: 020 3865 5403
@BindmansLLP: 020 7305 5638

10. Great resources that you should look at in more detail before going to the protest: @blkprotestlegal; @GBCLegal;
@YStopUK; @StopWatchUK; @4FrontProject; @libertyhq

Would also highly recommend @MTC_Solicitors 02076244300 #protestlawyersUK
cc @blkprotestlegal @libertyhq @4FrontProject @YStopUK