THE PSNI has confirmed that a total of 68 fines were issued at large anti-racism rallies in Belfast and Derry earlier this month.
The majority of fines – 57 – were issued in Derry.
That is more than five times as many as in Belfast, where 11 fines were handed out.
In advance of the organised rallies on Saturday, June 6, the police warned against gatherings of more than six people and indicated they would take action if lockdown rules were breached.
In response to a BBC request for more details about the actions the PSNI took, a police spokesperson said around 500 people gathered at each protest, contrary to the current Health Protection Regulations.
“We were very clear in our messaging ahead of the protests – that people should not attend them.
“No arrests were made in either city.
“But 71 fines and Community Resolution Notices (CRNs) were handed out for breaches of the Health Protection Regulations.
The spokesperson added: “There is no one specific reason why more were issued in Derry than in Belfast.
“It may be in part due to the dynamic nature of the events which saw a gradual build up in numbers in Guildhall Square and longer interaction with police officers as opposed to Belfast where the gathering built up more quickly.“
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