Rival protests in Portsmouth as face masks banned
Summary
Two groups held protests in Portsmouth after new police rules banned face masks at protests. One group protested against migrants arriving in the city, while the other group supported multiculturalism and opposed the anti-migrant demonstrations.Key Facts
- A new police rule bans protesters from wearing masks or balaclavas that hide their identity during demonstrations.
- Hundreds of anti-migrant protesters carrying flags marched through Portsmouth city center, chanting against migrant arrivals.
- Rival protesters from the group Stand Up to Racism also marched, promoting multiculturalism and opposing the anti-migrant protesters.
- Police kept the two groups apart when they met at Guildhall Square to prevent clashes.
- The mask ban started after recent violence and disorder linked to protests about migrants who crossed the Channel to Portsmouth.
- Police say the new rule is to reduce violence and keep the community safe, and it applies equally to everyone protesting.
- Some police and rescue vehicles were damaged during earlier disturbances, and some officers were treated for minor injuries.
- Online attacks targeted volunteers who helped migrants arrive safely in Portsmouth.
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