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Anti-Vaxx Nurse To Face Trial For Organising Anti-Lockdown Rallies

Anti-Vaxx Nurse To Face Trial For Organising Anti-Lockdown Rallies

Kay Shemirani is believed to have led demonstrations in Trafalgar Square and Whitehall last year

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

A former nurse is set to face trial next month for organising three anti-lockdown rallies at the peak of the coronavirus pandemic.

Kay Shemirani, also known as Kate, is said to have led a couple of demonstrations in Trafalgar Square, Central London, on 29 August and 19 September 2020 as well as a third in Whitehall on 5 September 2020.

Shemirani at the Kill The Bill Protest earlier this year.
Guy Corbishley/Alamy Stock Photo

Shemirani was removed from the nursing register by a fitness to practice panel.

The 56-year-old didn't attend the Westminster Magistrates Court hearing but her lawyer, Robert Bullock, explained that his client maintains she wasn't the organiser of the events.

Speaking in court, Mr Bullock said: "We are facing three charges of holding an event, which could be equated to organising the event, and very simply we submit we are not actually organisers.

"There are other factors legally, on the basis of human rights. Of course, we are referring to the simple right of assembly. That is longstanding and that would simply have to be abolished."

Kay Shemirani on stage at the 'Unite for Freedom' demonstration.
Guy Corbishley/Alamy Stock Photo

Shemirani, from Uckfield, west Sussex, denies three charges of holding a meeting of more than 30 people during an emergency period in England.

Fiona Hine, 36, also appeared in court, charged with three counts of breaking lockdown restrictions for going to the rallies.

She has denied two charges of participating in gatherings of more than 30 people and another charge of participating in a gathering of more than six people during the emergency period.

Mr Bullock, also representing Hine, asked for a number of witnesses to be called to the trial which is due to begin on 6 December.

He asked for police officers to also be brought to court, saying: "They [police officers] deal with Piers Corbyn, someone who has been a very prominent figure in this movement from the outset.

"Those officers have had a number of dealings with him. This relates in particular to the 29 August charges for these defendants."

Piers Corbyn, who was in the public gallery, is the older brother of former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. He attended a number of rallies across London during the pandemic.

Mr Corbyn, who has previously declared coronavirus a 'hoax', has appeared in court a number of times over similar offences.

Featured Image Credit: Guy Corbishley/Alamy Stock Photo

Topics: UK News, News, Coronavirus, UK, court