BLACK Lives Matter protesters in the US city of Seattle appear to have looked to Free Derry for inspiration.
Protesters took over the Capitol Hill area of the US city after police abandoned their east precinct, following dangerous clashes between protesters and law enforcement.
Hundreds of protesters have taken over several blocks of Seattle and transformed it into the Capitol Hill Autonomous Zone, or “Chaz”, helping to amplify nationwide protests while offering a real-world example of what a community can look like without police.
The Zone, covering approximately six city blocks,was established on Monday, June 8, 2020 during the George Floyd protests.
A sign standing at one of the entrances states “You are now entering Free Cap Hill”.
It appears to echo back to events in the North of Ireland over 48 years ao.
During the Troubles, an area of Derry was taken over by civil rights community activists and declared as “Free Derry Corner”.
Barricades and guards set up to prevent the RUC from entering.
The Free Derry Corner lasted for six days, but the now-famous sign remains.
People Before Profit Derry have also shown support for the people of Seattle in their fight for justice and an end to racism.
On its Facebook page, PBP Derry say: “Seattle protesters have created a ‘Cop free zone’ – erecting a ‘You are now entering Free Capitol Hill’ sign.
“From Derry to Seattle and with all those battling the bootboys of racist states across the world – Solidarity.”
The Free Derry Corner wall was also used to support the family and friends of Lyra McKee after her murder by the New IRA in Cregga on Thursday, April 18, 2019.
And more recently the wall was also emblazoned with messages in support of NHS workers in the battle to protect lives from the Coronavirus in the city.
