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Protesters gather ahead of ‘kill the bill’ trial
Dozens of protesters congregated outside Bristol Crown Court ahead of the start of the trial of a ‘kill the bill’ defendant.
Jasmine York is accused of riot and arson following a demonstration last against the police, crime, sentencing & courts bill that turned violent.
York allegedly pushed a bin into a burning police vehicle. She has pleaded not guilty to the charges of riot and arson, being reckless as to whether life is endangered, with her trial expected to take at least three days.
is needed now More than ever
Jasmine York (left) outside Bristol Crown Court ahead of the first day of her trial – Jessica Earley
Around 50 people gathered outside of the court on Small Street from around 8.30am on Monday morning displaying placards and banners to show their support for the 26-year-old, who lives in the Paintworks.
The demonstration was coordinated by the Bristol Anti-Repression Campaign, which describes itself as “an organisation that supports those that took to the streets to resist the bill”.
They were also joined by feminist protest group Sisters Uncut, who travelled from London to “stand in unconditional solidarity” with York.
Members of the organisation led a call and response outside the court, shouting: “Justice for Jasmine”, “Who are the perpetrators?”, “Who are the abusers?”, “Who are the terrorists?”.
Sisters Uncut is a British feminist direct action group – photo: Betty Woolerton
Sisters Uncut wrote in a statement that York was “brutalised by police and badly bitten by police dogs” while attending the protest.
They said her case “symbolises the very worst of police violence against women, and abuse of police powers”.
The injuries suffered by York allegedly at the hands of Avon & Somerset police were widely reported on social media and covered in national press.
https://twitter.com/damiengayle/status/1375844729842204672?lang=en-GB
As she walked into the court building, the crowd of dozens on the picket line cheered for York and called out “you are not alone”.
Scenes on March 21 2020 descended into violence in the early hours when windows of Bridewell police station were smashed and police vehicles were set on fire.
York is one of a group of individuals who will face trial in connection with the riot.
Ryan Roberts, who played a “leading role” in the disorder on Bridewell Street, was sentenced on December 17 to jail time of 14 years.
The 25-year-old, of no fixed address, was convicted of five offences including riot and attempted arson with intent to endanger life.
The PCSC bill, which could see new powers given to the police, is at the final stages of consideration in parliament.
York could face a sentence of up to 14 years – photo: Betty Woolerton
Main photo: Jessica Earley
Read more: ‘Kill the bill’ rioter jailed for 14 years
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