Sheku Bayoh's sister urges people to protest online - not in person
It follows days of action in support of George Floyd
The sister of Sheku Bayoh - the man who died in police custody in Fife - says their family won't join protests in support of George Floyd in person this weekend.
Nurse Kadijartu Johnson says the risk of Covid-19, particularly for people from black, Asian and ethnic miniority backgrounds, is too great to risk gathering in public.
She instead has issued a joint statement with lawyer Aamer Anwar, Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf and Labour MSP Anas Sarwar calling on people to campaign digitally instead.
Her brother Sheku Bayoh died five years ago at the age of 32 after being restrained by officers responding to a call in Kirkcaldy.
A forthcoming public inquiry is to examine whether his race played a part in his death - something the family have long asserted.
Mr Anwar has previously drawn comparisons to the case with that of Mr 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.
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.''
In a separate plea for people not to attend protests, Mr Yousaf said: "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.''
He added: "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.
"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.''
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