Senin 27 Mar 2017 21:24 WIB

Women gather on Westminster Bridge in silence to remember victims

Many of the women who attended wore blue as a symbol of peace.
Foto: Reuters
Many of the women who attended wore blue as a symbol of peace.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LONDON -- Dozens of women have come together on London's Westminster Bridge to link hands in a silent vigil for the victims of last week's terror attack.

For five minutes, they stood in silence with heads bowed to remember the four victims who died when Khalid Masood drove a car into pedestrians before fatally stabbing police officer Keith Palmer.

Many of the women who attended were Muslim, and most wore blue as a sign of peace, solidarity and unity.

Attendee Kerena Sheath told The Guardian the vigil was an act of both remembrance and defiance.

"That man wanted to divide us, so by joining hands we are literally doing the opposite of what he wanted," she said.

"This is London and you are not going to change us."

The vigil was organised by the same women who were behind the Women's March on London, a rally that was part of January's worldwide protests in opposition to the agenda and rhetoric of US President Donald Trump.

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'Simple but powerful'

Although almost 100 women came together, the event was not publicised on social media until just before it was due to start.

Rather, an invitation was emailed to those who were signed up to the Women's March on London, who were in turn encouraged to invite those they thought might like to join in.

According to The Guardian, Women's March on London spokeswoman Emma McNally said organisers wanted the vigil to be "simple but powerful".

Activist Akeela Ahmed, who also helped organise the gathering, told The Guardian: "It's important that we say terror will not defeat and divide us and pay respects to those that died."

"Keith Palmer is a hero and we are marking our respect for him and all the emergency services who protect us."

Despite the understated nature of the vigil, it received plenty of attention on social media and in the British press.

Ms Ahmed later tweeted: "Had no idea our low-key solidarity event would make front page. Was a very moving tribute to victims."

sumber : Australia Plus
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