THE PSNI has apologised to a Nigerian group for giving inaccurate information on the number of people permitted to gather at a planned protest in Belfast.
Nigerian Community Northern Ireland is to hold a demonstration outside city hall at noon tomorrow in protest against police brutality in the African country.
An organiser of the protest said that in a meeting on Wednesday, a police officer claimed the demonstration was allowed no more than six people present.
Up to 15 people can gather outdoors while maintaining social distancing under the north's current Covid-19 restrictions.
Lanre (49), who is originally from Nigeria and lives in Belfast, said the officer had warned they faced being fined for breaching Covid regulations if they had more than six demonstrators.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the PSNI's handling of their enquiries.
"In Northern Ireland I appreciate and I understand there are guidelines to be followed, but what we are doing here, we are going to be on the spot. We are not jeopardising anyone's health or anything," he said.
After The Irish News contacted the PSNI, Lanre said police phoned him and clarified the matter.
He said he was "over the moon" that the demonstration could go ahead with more participants.
In a statement the PSNI said officers have been liaising with the Nigerian group in recent days to "offer advice, guidance and support".
"We have discussed the relevant legislation and current C-19 Health Regulations, highlighting that any indoor or outdoor gathering should have no more than 15 persons present," a spokesman said.
"On Wednesday October 21, a member of the public attended Musgrave police station to submit documentation regarding a planned protest.
"That officer mistakenly gave incorrect information regarding the number of people who could attend an outdoor event.
"As soon as we were made aware of this mistake, a senior officer immediately contacted the person who submitted the form to offer our apologies and provide the correct information."
