‘No justice, no peace’,

Thousands of protesters have turned out to anti-racism demonstrations in Glasgow and Edinburgh . Large numbers gathered on Glasgow Green and Holyrood Park. A socially-distanced poster protest has been taking place across Aberdeen at Duthie Park and Victoria Park, fixing posters and placards to railings throughout the day. People in Inverness tied messages and artwork to Ness Bridge in the city centre in support of Black Lives Matter.

The Black Lives Matter protest started at Glasgow Green at midday after it was moved from George Square to allow easier physical distancing. The largest event was held in Glasgow Green, with chants of ‘No justice, no peace’ and attendees dropping to one knee in a show of solidarity. Numerous people in Glasgow Green held placards demanding justice for Sheku Bayoh and held a minute’s silence in his memory. Kadi Johnson, Mr Bayoh’s sister, drew parallels between his death and that of Mr Floyd. In a powerful video message released ahead of the protests, she said:

 “George Floyd died at the hands of the police, who are supposed to be our protectors - same like my brother, Sheku Bayoh. “George Floyd died of asphyxia, which is depriving the body of oxygen to travel to the brain and the rest of the body - same like my brother, Sheku Bayoh. 

“George Floyd cried out, ‘Get off me, I can’t breathe’ - same like by brother, Sheku Bayoh.”

She added: “For how long are we going to suffer like this? For how long? Black lives do matter.”