Anti-racism activists are set to protest in Deptford tomorrow as they call for charges against a woman controversially arrested in Lewisham to be dropped.

Stand Up to Racism is holding a “static, socially-distanced” demonstration outside Deptford Library at 11am to show “support and solidarity” with the family of George Floyd and the Black Lives Matter movement.

The group has launched a petition demanding that charges against Kamyimsola Olatunjoye of obstructing a drug search be dropped, after footage of her arrest by six officers on May 9 sparked an outcry.

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Protestors outside Lewisham police station

A spokesperson for Stand up Against Racism said: "Kamyimsola is now being charged with ‘obstructing a drug search’ and is due to appear at Bromley Magistrates Court on 6 July.

"We plan to organise a static protest at the court on the day to show solidarity and highlight this abuse of police power.

"‘Stop and search’ is routinely used in a racist way.

"People from black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) backgrounds are up to ten times more likely to be stopped and searched than white people.

"Figures released last week showed that BAME people were up to seven times more likely to be issued with fines by police under the Covid-19 regulations.
 
"The police in London used ‘stop and search’ over 30,000 times in May alone.

"This must end.

"Drop the charges, end stop and search, end racial profiling."

Footage has been shared widely of six police officers pinning down Kamyimsola Olatunjoye, 28, as she shouted "I can't breathe". 

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed an investigation into her arrest and "subsequent treatment in custody" is taking place. 

Ms Olatunjoye, of Alleford Road, Lewisham, was travelling as a passenger in a car that failed to stop for police, Scotland Yard said.

The driver, Carlton Ireland, 46, of Hither Green, was charged with drink-driving.

Tomorrow's event will be held in an open space and will include speeches, poetry, moments of silence and shared acts, such as taking the knee.

One of the speakers will be Patricia Coker, mother of Paul Coker, who died in Plumstead police station in 2005.

His dying words were "I can’t breathe, you’re killing me", echoing those of George Floyd. 

The organisers are asking that everyone who attends wears a facemask.

An assembly point will be marked out to indicate 2 metre distancing, and masks, gloves and hand sanitiser will be provided.  

Protestors gathered outside Lewisham police station two weeks ago, calling for the officers involved in arresting Ms Olatunjoye to be suspended on the same day as thousands marched in central London following the death of George Floyd in the US.

The Mayor of Lewisham recently added to criticism of police, who he described as using “excessive force”.