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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Christie Bannon

Black Lives Matter protest held in Swansea calling for justice over the death of George Floyd

A Black Lives Matter protest was held in Swansea on Monday night.

Organised by Stand Up To Racism Swansea, the protest saw people gather on Museum Green following the death of George Floyd in police custody in America.

Mr Floyd, an unarmed black man, died after a police officer knelt on his neck for more than nine minutes as he told them "I can't breathe".

The incident took place in Minneapolis, Minnesota, last week after police officers arrested him on suspicion of using a counterfeit $20 note in a store.

A socially distanced crowd gathered with placards in Swansea's city centre on Monday evening to show solidarity and raise awareness of the issue.

Protesters gathered at Swansea Museum Green to stage a Black Lives Matter protest (WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)
Neezo Dahan addressed the protest on Monday evening (WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)

Neezo Dahan, aged 32, who was among the protesters, said: "We are here to stand in solidarity and to show that we are against what is taking place.

"It's a very good turn-out here considering it was very last minute and everyone has been social distancing.

"It's important that we do this even though there's a lockdown because people are losing their lives. It's a matter of life and death.

"Doing this gives people the confidence that they are not alone."

Protesters knelt on the grass and held placards in the air while chanting "say my name, George Floyd", "no justice, no peace" and "I can't breathe".

A number of people gave speeches during the protest, including Martin Chapman of Stand Up To Racism Swansea.

A number of people gave speeches at the protest (WalesOnline/ Gayle Marsh)

Mr Chapman said: "This is part of an international protest in solidarity with those facing racism.

"This protest went exactly as we had hoped and we managed to maintain social distancing throughout and we also wanted everyone to wear masks."

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