WATCH: PSNI issue 'significant number' of fines at Black Lives Matter protests in Northern Ireland

By Brett Campbell

Hundreds of people have defied the government's calls not to attend large gatherings by joining a protests in Northern Ireland following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis. 

Organisers of the socially distanced Black Lives Matter demonstrations which went ahead in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry earlier now face prosecution.     

PSNI officers were present in Custom House Square and warned protesters about coronavirus regulations and issued notices. 

A socially distanced Black Lives Matter demo is underway in Belfast in response to the death of George Floyd in police custody in the USA

PSNI officers are present in Custom House Square warning protesters about coronavirus regulations and are issuing notices pic.twitter.com/w8nxbAaenM

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A rally also took place outside the Guildhall where activists chanted "I can't breathe".

There were originally five events planned to take place here yesterday and today however rallies in Omagh, Newry and Portadown were cancelled.

Assistant Chief Constable Alan Todd said: “Despite the cancellation of the Newry event, a small crowd did gather but dispersed quickly on our request.

“We conducted checks on travel routes and transport hubs across Northern Ireland today, requiring people to return home rather than travel to the unlawful protest gatherings.

"I believe that these actions had a positive effect on reducing the number of people attending the protests thereby protecting the public from the spread of the coronavirus.

“We estimate there were less than 500 people in attendance at each event and a significant number of Community Resolution Notices (CRNS) and fines were issued in both Belfast and Derry/Londonderry.

"A number of individuals, including organisers, will now be reported to the Public Prosecution Service with a view to prosecution.

"We will also conduct follow up enquiries to seek to identify others who may have committed offences.

“As I have said previously, in other times, we would have been working with the organisers and protestors to facilitate a lawful and peaceful protest to mark the avoidable and unnecessary death of George Floyd, however, these are not ordinary times.

"The Health Protection Regulations are in place to protect us all during this pandemic and it is everyone’s responsibility to adhere to them to protect our society.”

It comes after the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and health minister warned that mass gatherings will help spread coronavirus and cost lives. 

However Green Party leader Clare Bailey expressed support for the events and urged participants to wear PPE and stay apart.  

"The Green Party NI supports the Black Lives Matter movement," she said.  

"We share the anger across America and the world following the murder of George Floyd.  

"We’ve heard the experiences of people from black and ethnic minority communities across Northern Ireland and we must listen to them when they talk about racism and prejudice."

Amnesty International's NI director of programmes Patrick Corrigan also expressed support and said if people are allowed to stand in line for furniture - then they should be allowed to stand against racism.    

Meanwhile boxer Anthony Joshua joined protesters in Watford.

The two-time heavyweight champion read a poem highlighting racial injustices across the world.

In some parts of London many activists stood closer than two metres, despite social distancing rules.