Another Kill the Bill protest is planned for this Saturday, August 6, as activists call on the courts to drop the charges against those convicted after a previous protest turned violent. Avon and Somerset Police have told Bristol Live they are looking to engage with the organisers of the upcoming protest to ensure it is 'peaceful and lawful'.
So far, 19 people have been jailed after clashes broke out between police and protesters during a demonstration on March 21, 2021. Protesters were demonstrating against the controversial Police, Crime Sentencing and Courts Bill.
Campaigners feel the controversial Bill will limit the right to protest. Saturday's demonstration is to protest against the prison sentences that the 19 people have received.
Read more: Kill the Bill riot: A look back on the violence that broke out in Bristol
Those jailed so far have received sentences with a combined total of 74 years and nine months. Protestors are meeting outside St Peter's Church in Castle Park at 2pm on Saturday (6 August).
Avon and Somerset Police have spoken to Bristol Live about the upcoming protest. The force said in a statement: "We’re aware of plans for a protest in Bristol on Saturday, August 6, and are making efforts to identify and engage with the organisers.
"We always aim to facilitate peaceful and lawful protests, balancing this fundamental right with the rights of the public to go about their daily lives without significant disruption.”
Violence broke out in Bristol city centre on the evening of March 21, 2021 and made headlines across the world. By 6pm that evening, after what had been a peaceful protest that started on College Green in the city centre, the protest turned violent outside Bridewell police station.
At the time, police said up to 500 people were 'involved in criminality' during the event. Dozens of police officers and protesters were injured as both sides clashed.
A poster advertising the protest has been circulated on social media among activist groups based in Bristol and the wider South West. The poster says: "Stand with Kill the Bill protesters, free the prisoners, drop the charges".
Read next:
