Date: 4.20 – 2025
Time:
Start: 3:20 PM
Marijuana lighting ceremony: 4:20 PM
Location: Marischal College
Broad St
Aberdeen AB10 1LP
Following the event, participants will march
peacefully along Union Street towards Beach Boulevard via Union Terrace and Belmont Street Plaza.
I am writing as an individual citizen, Mariusz ‘Cybuch’ Ropel, to inform you about a planned peaceful assembly in
Aberdeen on April 20th, 2025. This event is being organized by local activists and cannabis enthusiasts to raise
awareness about the rights of cannabis users, advocate for harm reduction policies, generate support for local
businesses, and promote a family-friendly atmosphere throughout the city center.
Peaceful protest against police brutality: We condemn any form of excessive force used by law
enforcement againstcitizens, including those involved in cannabis-related activities.
Promotion of harm reduction policies: We advocate for policies that prioritize public health and safety over
punitive measures, such as the regulation of cannabis products and increased access to drug treatment services.
Support for local businesses: We encourage attendees to patronize nearby shops and establishments before
or after the event, fostering a positive economic impact on the local community.
Educational opportunity: This event provides an occasion for parents to discuss the issue of drugs with
their children in an open and honest manner.
Family-friendly atmosphere: We are committed to ensuring that promotional materials and messaging
remain respectful and appropriate for Aberdonians of all ages.
An individual’s right to freedom of expression and assembly are protected by articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which is enshrined in UK law. Together, the articles safeguard the right to peaceful protest. However, these rights are not absolute, and the state can implement laws that restrict the right to protest to maintain public order or protect the rights and freedoms of others.
In the UK, several pieces of legislation provide a framework for the policing of protests. The Public Order Act 1986 provides the police with powers to place conditions on protests. These powers were strengthened by part 3 of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022.
The Public Order Act 2023 established several criminal offences in relation to protest. The new offences include causing serious disruption by locking on, being equipped to lock on, causing serious disruption by tunnelling, obstructing major transport works, and interfering with key national infrastructure.
There are several other criminal offences that could apply to a person’s conduct during a protest, despite not being offences that are specific to protests. These include wilful obstruction of a highway, public nuisance, and aggravated trespass.
We expect attendance from approximately 87 to 508 individuals, based on estimates of local adult cannabis users
and supporters. We assure you that this will be a peaceful gathering, as cannabis users are among the most
peaceful members of our society.
To ensure a safe, enjoyable, and family-friendly event for all participants, we kindly request your cooperation in
the following matters:
- Assist us in obtaining any necessary permits or licenses.
- Provide guidance on managing waste generated during the event.
- Help us maintain open lines of communication with local law enforcement to facilitate a smooth and peaceful
assembly. - Offer suggestions on how to maximize support for nearby businesses while minimizing disruptions to local
residents and families. - Work with us to ensure that promotional materials and messaging are appropriate for Aberdonians of all ages.
We believe that this event can serve as an opportunity for dialogue between cannabis users, law enforcement,
policymakers, local business owners, and the broader Aberdeen community. We hope that Aberdeen City Council
will support our efforts in promoting harm reduction policies, fostering economic growth through supporting local
businesses, and creating a more open, understanding, and family-friendly environment regarding cannabis use.
Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.