The Accra Police Command has advised the public to disregard the “open call” for a demonstration against the US trending on social media in relation to the death of an African American, George Floyd, slated for today (Tuesday, June 2, 2020).
In a statement signed by the Head Public Affairs Unit, Effia Tenge, the Police say they have NOT been notified of any demonstration, stressing that the restrictions on public gathering, demonstrations and rallies to contain COVID 19 are still in force.
WHAT THE POLICE SAID IN THE STATEMENT
“The attention of the Accra Regional Police Command has been drawn to an intended demonstration against the United States trending on social media and slated for 2nd June, 2020.”
“The command wishes to state that it has not been notified of any demonstration on the above heading. Moreover, the restriction on public gatherings, demonstrations and rallies among others to contain the COVID-19 are still in force and the public is being advised to disregard the “open call” for a march,” the police said in a statement.
BACKGROUND
On May 25, 2020, George Floyd, 43, died in ‘Powderhorn’, a neighbourhood south of downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota.
While Floyd was handcuffed, lying face down on a city street during an arrest, Derek Chauvin, a caucasian Minneapolis police officer, kept his knee on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds, leading to his death.
The development has since sparked a series of demonstrations and protests in the US and other countries.
