Black Lives Matter Leeds to protest in Millennium Square to mark start of George Floyd trial proceedings

They have teamed up with Leeds Stand Up to Racism for the socially-distanced demonstration, taking place at 6pm on Friday, September 11.

They came off the back of worldwide protest after the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis, USA, who died after a police officer restrained him by kneeling on his neck.

Four former police officers have been charged in connection with his death.

On Friday, a judge is to hear whether those accused of George Floyd’s killing will be tried collectively or as individuals.

A statement on the Leeds Facebook event page said: "On the day of the trial hearing of the murder of George Floyd, Leeds Stand Up To Racism and Black Lives Matter Leeds are holding a protest to call for #JusticeForGeorgeFloyd, show solidarity to the #BlackLivesMatter movement locally, nationally and internationally and demand that Section 60 is scrapped in the UK."

Section 60 gives police stop and search powers, which critics argue are disproportionately used against black people.

Black people are nearly ten times as likely to be stopped and searched as white people.

The statement on the event page added: "The organisers will ensure that this is an entirely socially distanced protest and spaces will be marked at two meters.

"Please, wear a face mask."

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