Bristol Defendant Solidarity (BDS) is calling for your support and solidarity in a crucial time of need.
https://chuffed.org/project/bds
For years, BDS has been a steadfast ally to those battling with the legal system due to their involvement in protest, resistance, and direct action. We also support those who have been arrested and targeted by violent, discriminatory policing or suffered other state repression.
Over the past few years, we’ve supported almost 100 people targeted following the ‘Kill the Bill’ demonstration on 21st March 2021. The community’s response was phenomenal: your support and donations have been a powerful display of collective defiance and solidarity. But we still need your help to enable us to provide consistent, ongoing and meaningful support to many defendants facing state retribution.
Four years on, the repression remains relentless. So too must our solidarity. KTB defendants are still facing court cases and serving lengthy sentences, while the police enjoy their impunity.
In recent months, BDS has been busy continuing to support the KTB defendants, as well as those prosecuted and imprisoned after resisting the Summer’s far-right violence, standing in solidarity with people in Gaza and arrested after resisting against illegal evictions. We need your help to carry on this vital work supporting people in Bristol in 2025 and beyond.
Your contributions will help cover defendants’ food, travel and accommodation costs on court days, access to counselling for trauma endured at the hands of police, and other essential support needs.
How you can help
Donate: Every contribution, no matter how big or small, makes a difference.
Share: Spread the word about our crowdfunder to reach as many people as possible.
Organise: Fundraising events, prisoner letter writing sessions etc
Together, we can ensure that those facing state oppression are not alone.
Some words from the defendants about our work
“BDS are the sweetest and most hardworking people I know. I would’ve been completely lost without their support.”
“The BDS have been amazing to me the last few years with my case. They helped me so much with everything and I’m so grateful that I had them behind me during one of the most traumatic times in my life.”
“BDS offered friendship, solidarity and support to me and my family through one of the hardest times of my life. They made space for us as co-defendants to form vital connections with one another in the face of state enforced isolation. They reminded me of exactly what I was standing up for in the first place and I am forever grateful for and inspired by them.”
We, alongside the defendants, deeply appreciate your continued support.
In solidarity,
Bristol Defendant Solidarity (BDS)