News / Black Lives Matter
Protest against prosecution of Colston’s statue topplers
Standing with individuals who tore down Colston’s statue, Stand Up To Racism are holding a protest against charges being made by Avon and Somerset Police.
Planned for 4pm on Tuesday, July 7, the Bristol branch of the anti-racism group are calling on people to join the socially distanced protest at City Hall.
Organisers say that there should be no pressure from Priti Patel, the home secretary, to prosecute and call for the police to stop investigations.
is needed now More than ever
“The tearing down of the statue during the Black Lives Matter protest on June 7 was not a criminal act,” say Stand Up To Racism Bristol.
“It was an expression of anger not only with the killing of George Floyd but also at the complacency of Bristol’s leading representatives over three centuries to the crimes that have been committed against black people.”
Stand Up To Racism call for the police to stop investigations to find those who tore down the Colston statue. Photo: Colin Moody
The group call Edward Colston the “real criminal” and say it is time for city to face its past.
“The city council and business community should now make a public apology for the role the city has played in the slave trade,” organisers say. “We need to commemorate and remember the legacy of slavery.”
The group remind protesters to remain socially distanced and to bring face masks.
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read more: New documentary explores global impact of the toppling of the Colston statue
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