Liberty responds to repeat protest restrictions

Responding to news that the Government has announced it will give police more powers to put conditions on repeat protests, Akiko Hart, Liberty director, said: 

“The police already have immense powers to restrict protests – handing them even more would undermine our rights further while failing to keep people safe from violence like the horrific and heartbreaking anti-Semitic attack in Manchester.

“During times of fear people understandably want to see action, but restricting protest further is likely to fuel tensions by taking away legal and safe ways for people to make their voices heard.

“This announcement comes at a time when it is already getting harder and harder to exercise our right to protest without falling foul of ever expanding anti-protest laws.

“Our ability to use protest to challenge governments and stand up for what we believe in is central to having a healthy, functioning democracy. It must be upheld.”