We couldn’t let International Women’s Day pass without ensuring the women imprisoned in Hassockfield/Derwentside know we were standing with them. So on 8th March, 20 women from No To Hassockfield, Abolish Detention and Durham Peoples Assembly held with a two hour protest at the gates of Hassockfield/Derwentside. They laid flowers, waved banners and danced to joyful music, with movement in and out of the centre at a halt over that time.
At the end of the protest the group collected the flowers, which were taken by one of the security guards. The group asked him to give them to the women imprisoned inside so that they would know that they have support within our north east community.
These links take you to video footage from the day
Moving and removing
Details of how the centre is is functioning are hard to come by. We understand that around 13 women are currently imprisoned there, but that about 60-70 women may have been moved in and then removed again. Most are staying under two weeks. This feels completely unnecessary movement and could be deeply distressing for the women concerned. We will continue to campaign for closure of the centre.
Next Protest – 19th March 12 – 2pm
Join us at our monthly protests at the gates, 12-2pm every 3rd Saturday of the month – next one 19th March.
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