Hundreds of demonstrators took to the streets of central London as part of the Justice for Chris Kaba campaign, demanding justice for those who have died in custody. The activists, gathered at Trafalgar Square, marched towards Downing Street alongside the United Families and Friends Campaign in a show of solidarity with families who have lost loved ones at the hands of the state.
The campaign, which seeks to support families affected by state-related deaths, saw five family members, including a relative of Mr. Kaba, delivering letters to Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. Dressed in black and carrying hand-written notes, the group expressed their grievances and demands for accountability.
During the march, protesters held up signs with powerful messages such as “No justice, no peace” and “No more deaths in custody,” while others displayed images of individuals who have reportedly died in custody. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the group advocated for justice and an end to state negligence.
A speaker from the Justice for Chris Kaba campaign addressed the crowd, speaking about the collective grief and disappointment felt by those affected. Emphasising unity and strength, the speaker led chants of “we believe that we will win” and “the people united will never be defeated,” rallying the demonstrators towards their cause.
The protest comes in the wake of the recent acquittal of Metropolitan Police firearms officer Martyn Blake, who was cleared of murder in the case of Mr. Kaba’s fatal shooting. The decision sparked outrage and led to a gathering outside the Old Bailey, where protesters stood in solidarity with the Kaba family and demanded justice.
The demonstration coincided with another gathering in central London, where supporters of Tommy Robinson assembled for a planned protest. A counter-protest organised by Stand Up to Racism aimed to provide an anti-fascist stance in response to the gathering.
The Justice for Chris Kaba campaign continues to advocate for accountability, transparency, and justice for all families affected by state-related deaths. The march in London served as a powerful display of unity and determination in the face of adversity.
As the campaign gains momentum, activists remain resolute in their fight for justice and vow to keep the pressure on authorities until meaningful change is brought about. The voices of the demonstrators echo a collective call for accountability and reform within the criminal justice system.