Vigils for Sarah Everard move online amid covid restrictions

In-person vigils paying tribute to Sarah Everard, which were due to be held in Edinburgh on Saturday, have been cancelled by organisers in favour of an online-only event.

Events have been planned across the UK, including in Edinburgh and Glasgow, to pay tribute to Ms Everard, who disappeared while walking home in London and whose remains were found this week.

However, Health Secretary Jeane Freeman suggested women should find another way to pay tribute to the 33-year-old, warning any vigil in a public place would go against coronavirus restrictions.

The Metropolitan Police also faced a legal challenge from organisers of a London event, with the force accused of doing an "about-face'' and declaring the vigil unlawful.

Late on Friday night, Chloe Whyte, one of the Edinburgh organisers, said on Facebook: "Following the decision of the High Court in London and comments from the Scottish Cabinet Health Secretary, Jeane Freeman MSP, the organisers of the #ReclaimTheseStreets Edinburgh vigils have decided to build upon events currently being hosted online and cancel all of our in-person gatherings.

"The tragic story of Sarah Everard and the national outpouring it has provoked has shone a light on how just how many women have been made to feel unsafe on our streets due to sexual harassment and violence. This is a moment of reflection, but also one of action.

"Please do NOT go to Holyrood or St Andrew's Square tomorrow, as sadly any gatherings there will be dispersed by police.

"We are now building upon our 'doorstep vigil' activities, which shall include a stream of our speakers all sharing their stories from home & answering questions and comments live. More information to come on this.

"While this is incredibly frustrating, we deeply appreciate the platform that has been given to survivors of sexual harassment and violence this week.''

Organisers in Glasgow have urged people to instead tie a ribbon and leave a note at four locations across the city.

"We welcome you to tie a ribbon around fences or lampposts as a show of solidarity and/or a note (this could be your own experiences or what has frightened you about Sarah’s story, if you feel okay to share and please include what you want to see changed) and then go home safely.

"The volunteers will be at these locations between 6pm and 8pm to collect any notes that are left, and we ask that you put these in freezer bags - the weather is meant to be very rainy tomorrow evening. Leaving a ribbon can be done at any point during the day if you are out for a walk.

"When attending these locations, we cannot emphasise enough that the guidelines around two metre social distancing and mask wearing must be complied with. Further, if you have any symptoms of Covid-19, or any cold/flu-like symptoms please follow the Government guidelines and stay at home.

"The locations are as follows:

"George Square – We have chosen George Square in order to reclaim a space that was built for everyone. During this time is it important to understand the historic connection surrounding Scottish football and domestic violence against women.

"When Old Firm games are played, domestic violence reports increase dramatically - women are not safe on the streets or in their homes.

"Queens Park – We have chosen Queens Park, at the Victoria Road main entrance, to honour Moira Jones, a businesswoman who once lived in the southside of Glasgow. In May 2008 she was abducted and murdered in Queens Park.

Her mother set up the Moira Fund in her honour, which is a charity set up to help those tragically bereaved by the murder or manslaughter of a loved one.

"Mary Barbour Statue in Govan – We have chosen the Mary Barbour statue in Govan which was unveiled in 2018 to mark International Women’s Day. Mary Barbour represents our collective strength and our ability to fight for what is right.

"Kelvingrove Park - We have chosen Kelvingrove Park, at the Argyle Street entrance, due to the close proximity that the park has to a number of locations of sexual assaults in 2019 of young women walking home.

"We understand that this is something that not everyone will be comfortable with, so the event is still also going on - as planned - from your homes.

"This will involve lighting a candle for Sarah and displaying it in your window or doorway.

"While we appreciate that this may not feel like the most impactful form of support, we need to be both realistic and sensible in what we are doing at the moment with everything going on - and without the risk of hefty fines and arrest!"

Ms Freeman said she herself would join commemorations if "we were in normal times'', but added: "We are not in normal times.

"The rules are there for a reason, they are there to protect all of us from a virus that doesn't play by the rules, that as soon as we come together looks to transmit itself from one person to another person and in doing that also is giving significant opportunity to mutate.

"I will take my private steps, I will light that candle on Saturday night, I will engage via social media to show my frustration, my anger, that women are still not safe on our streets, still not safe from male violence on our streets at any time of the day.

"I will not join a public vigil because that risks everyone from this virus.

"What I'm saying to all the women who are feeling angry, afraid, upset - I'm right there with you, but please do not have a vigil.

"Take the steps that we ask people to do to show how you feel but not in a public gathering.''

Drawing on her own experience, Ms Freeman said: "I'm 67 years old. For 50 years as a woman I have lived a life that aims to protect and keep myself safe in a way that no man of my age ever has to do.

"I remember the Reclaim the Nights demonstrations... I was on those and if we weren't in the current situation we are now, then any public vigil I would certainly join.''

The Prime Minister has also urged people not to take to the streets, with Downing Street adding he "completely understands the strength of feeling''.

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