Thousands protest in London over deaths in police custody

End state violence — Over the weekend, the United Families & Friends Campaign organised a protest calling for an end to deaths at the hands of the police.

This weekend thousands gathered in Central London to march in solidarity with grieving families whose loved ones have died in police custody or following contact with the police.

The annual march, which started in Trafalgar Square, was organised by the United Families & Friends Campaign (UFFC). The group was established in 1997 as a network of Black families, but more recently expanded to include families, of those who have died at the hands of the police.

Relatives of those who have died delivered a signed letter to Downing Street demanding an urgent meeting with prime minister Rishi Sunak. Among them were the relatives of Chris Kaba, who was shot dead by Metropolitan Police officers in September, were in attendance, with Kaba’s mother and cousin both delivering speeches to the crowds. An IOPC investigation into the killing is ongoing.

Also joining crowds were family members or Oladeji Omishore, who died this year following an incident where he was tased by police on Chelsea bridge. Marcia Rigg, an organiser at UFFC – whose brother Sean Rigg died in police custody at Brixton police station in 2008 – was also present. The families are calling for changes to the judicial process following deaths in police custody or following contact with the police.

After the letter was delivered crowds walked to Parliament street where they were addressed by family members. Thousands in attended chanted “police are the murderers” as well as holding signs and placards demanding justice. Photographer Aiyush Pachnanda was there to capture the march.