Holloway Prison protest: Sisters Uncut stage anti-violence rally
Protesters release balloons outside HMP Holloway yesterday (Picture: Jade Jackman) - Credit: Archant
More than two hundred people lit flares and released balloons outside Holloway Prison in protest against violence towards women in government institutions.
Feminist group Sisters Uncut held last week’s demonstration in response to the death of an inmate earlier this year, and to show solidarity with black and working class women.
“We are here today because Sarah Reed died in January and her story really resonated with what we do,” said the group’s Jean Snow, adding black and working class women “have suffered from the cuts more than any other group”.
Sarah Reed, a victim of police brutality, had been transferred from a secure mental health unit to prison last October. After she was found dead in her cell, campaigners said she should not have been moved.
The protesters, who had promised to be “rowdy” in flyers ahead of Wednesday’s event, released 77 balloons to reflect the number of women who have died in UK prisons in the last 10 years.
Speakers pointed out 46 per cent of female inmates had been victims of domestic abuse.
Tia Wright said: “We cannot separate the fight against domestic violence from state violence. Prisons don’t work. Austerity doesn’t work.”
Most Read
- 1 The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee flypast: Where, and when, the planes will fly over north and east London
- 2 Missing: 29-year-old Islington woman found 'safe and well'
- 3 Jailed: Members of 'sophisticated' drugs crime gang sentenced
- 4 New cabinet announced for Islington Council
- 5 'Wrong place, wrong time': Men convicted after fatal mistaken revenge shooting
- 6 12 stolen phones recovered after stop and search in Hackney
- 7 Can you answer these 10 GCSE questions designed for 16-year-olds?
- 8 Floating park between Camden Town and King's Cross
- 9 Man accused of sexual assaults in Camden and Islington bailed
- 10 Gunners pub back open for Premier League climax
Sisters Uncut wants the prison system replaced with welfare projects. Community organiser Fatima Chohan said: “Women of colour will only be safe outside of state structures and systems that appear to be in place to protect or serve us.”