THE Justice Secretary, a Labour MSP, a top lawyer and the sister of a man who died in police custody in Scotland have urged those protesting the death of George Floyd to do so safely.
They are urging those demanding justice for George Floyd to protest digitally due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Kadijartu Johnson, who is a nurse, issued a joint statement with lawyer and campaigner Aamer Anwar, Humza Yousaf and Labour MSP Anas Sarwar.
Her brother Sheku Bayoh died in 2015 aged 32 after being restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy, Fife.
His family believes race played a part in his death and a public inquiry was announced by Yousaf in November last year, with which Police Scotland pledged to "engage fully".
Anwar has previously drawn comparisons to the case with that of George Floyd, who died in police custody after a white officer held him down by pressing a knee into his neck in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25.
His death has sparked protests across the US and recent rallies in the UK, including Edinburgh.
READ MORE: Justice Secretary announces terms of Sheku Bayoh public inquiry
The joint statement highlights UK Government statistics showing BAME lives have been disproportionately impacted by Covid-19.
"We are united in our abhorrence at the scenes of racial injustice in the US and stand in complete solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement and those demanding justice for George Floyd," it says.
"Like so many we want to stand in unity with millions across our planet to show solidarity with those protesting against racial injustice in the USA but also to support those challenging racial injustice and discrimination in Scotland."
It adds progress on easing out of lockdown in Scotland is "fragile".
"The rules in place are there to protect people's health and ultimately people's lives," it says.
"Therefore, as long-term anti-racist campaigners we are still urging people to protest but to use the many other methods available at this time, including digital protests.
"We hope people will understand our position and explore other methods of demonstrating practical solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter."
Speaking separately from the statement, Ms Johnson said she will not be attending protests planned for Sunday.
"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," she said.
"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 five years for justice for my dead brother Sheku and believe Black Lives Matter is as relevant in Scotland."
Yousaf added:
“In the wake of the tragic death of George Floyd, it is again clear that the scourge of racism continues to blight every nation on earth, and all of us must play our part in tackling it.
“I fully understand and feel the anger, and the sadness, that leads people to want to gather together and to show solidarity and community at this time. Unfortunately, the threat of Covid-19 is still with us and I must urge people not to attend mass gatherings, which pose a clear risk to public health, even with social distancing in place.
“The Scottish Government advice is still that no more than eight people should meet at any one time, and for those people to be from no more than two households. I would encourage people to explore alternative ways to make their voices heard on this vital issue, including for example through social media and by engaging friends, families and work colleagues.
“In Scotland, we value the considerable and important role of our diverse minority ethnic communities. We cannot, and will not, tolerate hate crime, prejudice or discrimination of any kind. It is not enough to simply not be a racist – we must be anti-racist, by supporting our minority ethnic communities, and condemning racism, hate and injustice wherever we find it.
“I hope we will soon be able to gather together to show our solidarity. But until then we must continue to do what is necessary to protect the health of everyone, following the guidelines. That is the best and quickest way to ensure we continue along the path of easing lockdown, and meet again sooner rather than later.”
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