Woman Sues Met Police for Breaching Her Rights at Sarah Everard Vigil

Dania Al-Obeid, a woman who was charged and convicted for breaching coronavirus restrictions at a vigil for Sarah Everard without her knowledge, is suing the Met Police Service. The vigil, attended by hundreds of people in Clapham Common on March 13, 2021, turned violent as police attempted to enforce social distancing rules. Dania claims she was charged and convicted in her absence, with no opportunity to defend herself, and that her right to freedom of expression and assembly was breached.

Key Takeaways:

• Dania Al-Obeid was charged and convicted for breaching coronavirus restrictions at a vigil for Sarah Everard without her knowledge or consent.
• The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) discontinued her case after taking over prosecution proceedings from the Met Police.
• Dania is suing the Met Police for breaches of her right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.
• She is crowdfunding to cover legal costs associated with her case.
• Rachel Harger, solicitor at Bindmans LLP, is representing Dania and says that taking on the Met Police is "no small feat."
• The Met Police's actions at the vigil have been described as "appalling" and have led to calls for the police to be held accountable.

Statistics:

• At least 6 women were arrested for attending the Sarah Everard vigil (READ MORE: Prosecution of 6 women arrested for going to Sarah Everard vigil is halted).
• The CPS discontinued Dania's case after taking over prosecution proceedings from the Met Police.
• Dania is crowdfunding to cover legal costs associated with her case.

Sources:

• "Woman who was convicted of breaching coronavirus restrictions at Sarah Everard vigil sues Met Police" (The Telegraph)
• "Prosecution of 6 women arrested for going to Sarah Everard vigil is halted" (MyLondon)
• "Gangsters found guilty of murder in legal first" (MyLondon)
• "Woman dead and two others seriously injured after horror crash in North London" (MyLondon)
• "Credit: PA, Getty Images"