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Protesters show solidarity with ‘kill the bill’ defendants three years on
Three years after protesters clashed with police during a ‘kill the bill’ demonstration in Bristol, people gathered outside Bridewell Police Station to demand justice for those that have been imprisoned since.
Protesters held banners with the words “Solidarity with the defendants”, “Justice for the Bristol Protesters” and “three years no justice”. Police have said they reject any suggestion they did not facilitate peaceful demonstrations on the day.
On March 21 2021, a peaceful protest against the government’s proposed Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill later turned into violent clashes between police and protesters.
is needed now More than ever
Since then, prosecutors have charged 38 people with riot for their involvement in the Bristol protests. Nineteen have been convicted, with sentences ranging from three to six 14 years. Nine protesters are now in prison, and arrests are still being made.
More people have been imprisoned for rioting during a single day in Bristol in 2021 than in any other protest-related disorder since at least the 1980s.
Speaking on the third anniversary of the protest, Jasmine York, who was given a nine-month sentence for pushing a bin into a burning police car during the disturbance, told Bristol24/7 it was an “emotional” experience to be standing outside the police station again.
After serving prison time for her role in the ‘kill the bill’ clashes, Jasmine York co-founded the Bristol Anti-Repression Campaign to help other defendants
“But it’s also quite comforting to see that there is still solidarity for those that are still inside and for those who are being charged and facing sentencing,” she said.
“It is still one of the main aims to highlight that the police acted unlawfully and have not faced any retribution. But we also need to draw attention to the fact that we desperately want a public inquiry.”
“We want a clearer, unbiased picture and a fair story,” she said. “There’s no right thing to protest against, so it affects everybody. It’s not just anarchists, it’s everyone.”
Heidi Gedge, whose daughter Mariella is still serving a five and a half year prison sentence for her role in the protest, said it was important to “not let anyone forget what happened that day”.
“In an ideal world, I want them to quash the riot charge, free Mariella and get her her life back, because that sentence is going to have long-term implications.”
Heidi Genge said she is still waiting for justice for her daughter Mariella, who is serving a two year and nine months prison sentence
“We need to highlight the fact that nothing has actually been done. We’ve had no justice for the protesters and not one police officer has been held accountable for their violent actions that day,” she said.
A police spokesperson said: “We remain in the middle of one of the largest investigations ever carried out by Avon and Somerset Police, after police vehicles were damaged and set alight, officers were assaulted and our neighbourhood police station was vandalised during a riot on Sunday, March 21 2021.
“Evidential material, including Body Worn Video, CCTV and video material posted online, has been extensively gathered by the investigation team.
“In each case, a package of evidence has been supplied to the Crown Prosecution Service, which has authorised the charges to be brought.
“So far, 42 people have been sentenced after being found guilty or admitting criminal offences committed during the riot. The courts have handed out prison sentences totalling more than 112 years so far, and it’s only right that those proven to have committed criminal acts during the riot face the consequences of their actions.
“There are more cases still going through the judicial process. It is important no commentary or material is published that could prejudice that process.
“We reject any suggestion we did not facilitate peaceful demonstrations on the day of the riot. Our officers faced real violence and hostility as they put themselves on the line to keep the public safe and restore order, as a minority of people engaged in wanton violence, damage and disorder.
“We formally recorded ten complaints relating to officers’ conduct on the night of the riot. All were subject to a thorough review by our Professional Standards Department, and the service level was deemed to be acceptable (three had been referred to the IOPC, but they were deemed to be suitable for a local investigation).”
All photos: Mia Vines Booth
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