Sister of Sheku Bayoh urges people to virtually protest due to coronavirus fears

The sister of Sheku Bayoh is encouraging people not to go to Sunday's Black Lives Matter demonstration in Glasgow, because of coronavirus worries.

Kadijartu Johnson, who is a staff nurse, is concerned about social distancing and doesn't want lives put at risk.

But she adds Black Lives Matter is as relevant in Scotland as elsewhere.

31-year-old Mr Bayoh died in Kirkcaldy more than five years ago after he was restrained by up to nine police officers.

The police officers involved have always denied any wrongdoing.

Kadijartu Johnson said: "In as much as my family would like to be part of the demonstrations taking place on Sunday for Black Lives Matter, I believe that danger of the spread of coronavirus is still too great.

"As a staff nurse I know the deadly impact of the virus and I would worry about social distancing on the day and the lives of my family and other lives being put at risk.

"Sadly we cannot attend, nor will we encourage others to go because we believe a virtual protest would be far more effective and involve those unable to attend because of the risk.

"I hope that you will join our campaign, we have fought for 5 years for justice for my dead brother Sheku and believe Black Lives Matter is as relevant in Scotland."

Meanwhile, protests have been taking place in the United States and on this side of the Atlantic after the death of George Floyd.

Last night, demonstrators took to the streets of London and there are also protests in Birmingham today.

The police officer who knelt on Mr Floyd's neck in Minneapolis more than a week ago has had his charge upgraded by prosecutors to second-degree murder.

Three other officers also face charges of aiding and abetting second-degree murder.