October 14, 2019

I Chose To Be Arrested

More than a thousand rebels have already been arrested as part of the Extinction Rebellion in London. People are giving themselves up to be arrested in order to further the cause and bring awareness back to the environment.

However, there is a severe lack of media coverage of the rebels who have been arrested. That's why I spoke to Laura-Autumn.

Before meeting Laura, I was quite skeptical. Having seen that it costs £1000 per arrestee to cover court fees, most of which is donated, it did seem like a waste. Surely this funding could be used elsewhere for far more tangible change. Perhaps an environmental charity.

In the moment I thought this is what I'm gonna do, and if I'm gonna get arrested at any point I'd like it to be defending the Northern site.

I was also quite confused at the idea of wanting to get oneself arrested. Given the seriousness of a possible criminal record, I didn't know why anyone would actively decide to make themselves so known to the police. When something could tarnish your job prospects and relations it seems a lot to consider.

However, I will admit I was very reassured by how much Laura-Autumn had thought through everything. Ranging from having the money to cover the legal fees to having no dependents or disabilities, she had thought it through.

I am someone who can get arrested, I'm very arrestible. I don't have any dependents, I don't need to do a DBS check for my job and I don't have anyone that relies on me.

Author
Kit Taylor