Sheku Bayoh family urges online protest for #BlackLivesMatter on fifth anniversary of his funeral

Sunday marks the fifth anniversary of the day Sheku Bayoh was laid to rest in Kirkcaldy.

He died on May 3, 2015 after being restrained by officers in Hayfield Road, Kirkcaldy, and his funeral took place on June 7.

It included a march through town, which paused at the gates of the main police station on St Brycedale Avenue, and a rally which drew hundreds to Templehall Community Centre.

That marked the start of his family’s campaign to find out why he died.

Five years later, they still wait for answers.

Sunday’s anniversary also co-incided with an invite to address a rally organised as part of a global protest over the death of another black man, George Floyd, while being restrained by police in America - an incident which has sparked widespread global anger.

Mr Bayoh’s sister, Kadi Johnson, and lawyer Aamer Anwar - who has represented the family for the past five years - have declined the opportunity to avoid any threat of spreading the coronavirus amid a big crowd, and urged people not protest in other ways - including online.

Mr Anwar said the decision not to attend was difficult, but the right move given the current pandemic crisis.

He issued a joint statement with Kadi which said a virtual protest would “be far more effective.”

Kadi Johnson noted: “As much as my family would love to be part of the demonstration, I believe the 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 and the lives of family and others being put at risk. We cannot attend and nor will we encourage others to go.”

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They also offered their full support to the global voices being raised over the death of Mr Floyd.

A statement issued jointly with Anas Sarwar MSP, and Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Justice, said they stood “in unity with millions across the planet to show solidarity with those protesting against racial injustices in the USA, but also to support those challenging racial injustice and discrimination in Scotland.”

It added: “As long-term anti-racist campaigners, we are still urging people to protest , but to use the many other methods available at this time, including digital protests.

“We hope people will understand our position and explore other methods of demonstrating practical solidarity with #BlackLivesMatter.”

Last month, the remit of a public inquiry into the death of Mr Bayoh announced it would look into his death, the investigation, and also examine his actual or perceived race had played any part in events.

Mr Anwar welcomed what he described as the "unprecedented and wide-ranging" terms of reference for the inquiry.

He added: "Sheku's loved ones have long believed that the Crown Office and Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC) betrayed their struggle for justice, but they hope this inquiry will robustly search for the truth and hold power to account."

The inquiry will be led by retired senior judge Lord Bracadale.