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Abbotsford demonstration slated for Friday afternoon

People gathering to protest police brutality and systemic racism in downtown Abbotsford
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A solidarity demonstration to protest against police brutality and systemic racism is planned for Abbotsford on Friday afternoon. (Facebook)

A demonstration to express solidarity with those taking place in other North American cities is slated for today around 3:30 p.m. in downtown Abbotsford.

Demonstrators say they intend to “stand in solidarity against police brutality against indigenous and black communities,” at a demonstration at the intersection of West Railway Street and Essendene Avenue beginning at 3:30 p.m. and lasting until at least 5:30 p.m.

More than 150 people have declared on the event’s Facebook page that they would be attending. That could make the demonstration one of the largest Abbotsford has seen in years.

Organizers say the event will be peaceful and won’t confront local police officers, if they are present.

“Seeing as our demonstration is peaceful there should be no reason for police presence, but if it does happen they won’t get our attention, and if for whatever reason they feel the need to walk around on foot, we will continue to be peaceful as conflict is not our goal,” an organizer wrote on Instagram.

Social distancing measures will also be enforced, organizers said, with masks “highly encouraged.”

RELATED: B.C.’s top doctor urges caution for protesters amid 24 COVID-19 cases

The event’s Facebook page says “This is led by white & white passing community members and we encourage any POC to use this event as a platform.”

Chilliwack youth also recently announced that they are planning a march to support the American protests. That event is also set for today.

RELATED: Chilliwack youth planning solidarity march against racism