‘I was punished for exercising a basic human right’

I went to the protest on Sunday, March 21 for two reasons: firstly to pay my respects to Sarah Everard at the vigil. Secondly, because I believe the new proposed bill is a huge infringement on our human rights. I am a queer, female, animal rights activist.

My experience paired with history shows that protesting brings change. The bill is an insidious attack on our freedom of speech.

The day was full of vigour and enthusiasm. Bristol came together like comrades, chanting in solidarity for Sarah and for our democracy.

Whether or not all who attended understand the impact the new bill will have is hard to say, but what united us was our passion for protest. It was peaceful. People had placards, read poetry, sang songs, danced.

It was up until the march got to Bridewell station that things got more hectic. There was a lot of pushing and shoving from both sides, but as soon as officers began using excessive force, protesters became allies and defended each other.

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Batons were used as weapons, not as defence. Officers abused their position of power and ignored procedure, opting to hit above knee and effectively knock out civilians. They hit to injure us, not to defend themselves. They were used on people’s heads, necks, shoulders and chests.

My left hand has been disabled since the first protest. I have bruises down the whole left side of my body. At no point was I violent towards officers – it isn’t in my nature.

The police line at the first Kill The Bill protest. Photo: Phil Riley

I doubt very much that police felt particularly threatened by a mass of people who opted to sit down and sing. The use of horses to charge at civilians seems excessive and yet it was done without any care for safety. Dogs were biting people who were walking away.

If the word “riot” is to be used to describe events then so be it, but the language we use is important. If a law is unjust we are obligated to disobey and once we witnessed police – those there to protect us – actively attacking us, of course we responded. What are the police protecting at that point? A building?

On three separate occasions, I was attacked by police officers. The first was due to me positioning myself in-between three officers and a woman who I had seen being hit over the face and head by a baton. My left hand is currently disabled due to the impact of the first hit.

The second involved me being lunged at by a police officer and being bit by their dog. There is footage of this, you can see I am walking away and I am attacked unprovoked.

The third is similar. I was walking away from police when a female officer intentionally knocked me to the ground and I was subsequently beaten by four officers with shields and batons. There is also footage of this.

The first two attacks occurred on Sunday, the third was during the protest on Friday, March 26. This footage will be available soon as I am launching multiple complaints and investigations.

Injuries on the protester

Responses to my injuries have been mixed. I have received death threats. I have been told I deserve it. I have been told I am lucky to have not suffered worse.

It baffles me. Regardless if I was rioting or not, the force used against me was unjust. If my behaviour was so problematic, arrest me, don’t beat me.

I didn’t resist nor attempt to defend myself. I begged for it to stop. Why would the police choose to injure instead of detain? Others have come to me with similar tragic stories. It has been sad but a sort of family has grown from this.

To those who criticise me: I will protest for your human rights even if my chants fall on deaf ears.

This account comes from a Kill The Bill protester who wishes to stay anonymous.

Main photo: Simon Holliday

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