Climate activists have “handed themselves in” at a Bristol police station.
Members of Extinction Rebellion Youth Bristol gathered at Bridewell police station to "declare their criminality" on Saturday (October 17) as a response to recent comments from home secretary Priti Patel.
She said that Extinction Rebellion activists are "so-called eco-crusaders turned criminals", but members say they are "scared young people crying out in desperation".
University of Bristol student Charlie, 20, who was arrested on Clifton Suspension Bridge in August said: “Avon and Somerset Police claim to ‘Serve. Protect. Respect’ but neglect to mention that this doesn’t apply to everyone.
"They denied us shelter while there was a yellow weather warning in place, and then arrested us while we were fighting for our right to a liveable future.
"We want to bring attention to the injustices of the system, of which the police play a vital part, shown by the over-policing of XR protests and BLM protests to an even greater extent.”
College student Eddie, 18, who was present at the police station, added: “The home secretary wants to label us ‘organised criminals’ but that’s just not true.
"We’re scared young people who are crying out in desperation for our future.
"I care about my future, and for the future of our children, and for that I am labelled as a criminal.”
