The Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) Ireland Branch today welcomed the decision not to prosecute activists charged during last years Black Lives Matter rallies held in Derry and Belfast, of which a number of IWW members where fined. A spokesperson for the IWW in Derry branded PSNI actions on the day as "an attack on all our civil rights".
On Saturday 6th June 2020, following the brutal murder of George Floyd by the hands of police, Black Lives Matter held events in both Derry and Belfast at which the PSNI selectively targeted and harassed activists.
Following this mornings announcement, a member of the Industrial Workers of the World in Derry said: "The actions of the PSNI on the day of the BLM actions was an attack on all our civil rights. From the outset their actions on the day were deliberate and focused against members of the BAME community.
"Their actions since then against similar or larger public events have been one-sided, the evidence is there for all to see. Just because the police changed their uniform or their name doesn't wash with ourselves, it doesn't mean a thing.
"As a grassroots union, created by and for working class people, we have no faith in the PSNI protecting working class people's rights or lives, nor the laws of their judicial system. They are their only to serve and protect themselves.
"It is vital that we take a stand against hate crime, against racism and sectarianism, be that on the shopfloor or on the streets, no matter what their laws insist we should do. It is vital that we take a stand, just as all those have done on June 6th in solidarity with George Floyd. Our message is clear - an injury to one is an injury to all!"