BY BEGÜM KURUÇ- Last Saturday protesters met in Trafalgar Square to stand against three main causes: Social distancing rules, a possible vaccine and the obligation to wear face coverings.
The UK had been under strict lockdown measures starting from March 23 and since June they have been eased. Still, citizens are expected to wear a face covering when entering closed communal spaces including the Underground. While fines are issued starting with £100 to enforce the rules, there is a growing reluctance to follow them, as well as many offenders.
A majority of protesters on Saturday consisted of those who believe the Coronavirus is a “hoax”. They used slogans underestimating the virus, comparing it to the flu or rejecting its existence. Others fought against government’s lockdown measures and mandatory mask and social distancing rules, arguing that they limit their freedom. Anti-vaxers were among the thousands that joined on Saturday with slogans like “stop medical tyranny” and “no to mandatory vaccines” verbalising their beliefs. Very few were seen wearing face coverings and social distancing rules were severely breached.
The skepticism of thousands was fueled with names such as, Piers Corbyn, brother of former Labour Leader Jeremy Corbyn and famed conspiracy theorist David Icke making appearances and speeches at the protest. Corbyn was arrested by the police on the grounds of breaking health protection regulations. This is the third time since May that he has been arrested related to anti-lockdown activities.
The “Unite for Freedom” rally was a peaceful protest as no force had been used to prove a point. However, in the midst of a pandemic, the lack of social distancing and face covering on top of thousands gathering in a close proximity, risked the spread of Covid-19, the sole thing the government tries to protect them from and what the protesters reject or belittle.
#NoMaskSelfie took over Twitter in the UK when it was first made mandatory to wear masks in shops and markets at the end of July. People posted pictures of themselves wandering in shops and markets without any sort of face covering, encouraging others to do the same and judging those who wore masks. These were individual protests, possibly dangerous for those surrounding and working. On Saturday however, the frustration was collective, and it risked the health of those attending.
Similarly, protests were held the same day in the French and German capitals, Paris and Berlin. The uproar is widespread amongst Europe and is organised. The police dismantled all protests but the skepticism and dissatisfaction stay the same.
