A marine biologist detained by police for more than 48 hours in protest of a climate crisis has been taken from her cell to hospital by ambulance.
Emma Smart, 44, one of nine Extinction Rebellion scientists arrested at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), went on a hunger strike to protest the conditions in which she was being held.
She was kept in a main cell without windows, constantly lit by fluorescent light. While the other eight scientists were released on bail on Thursday, police said they would detain Smart while she could appear in court on Saturday, as she has a file on breach of bail conditions.
Police called an ambulance to Charing Cross Police Department on Friday night to take Smart to hospital. According to her supporters, she wanted not to lose hospital resources and received rehydration treatment, after which she was returned to police custody. She was released on Saturday after appearing in Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
Smart was one of a group of 25 scientists protesting at the BEIS building in Westminster on Wednesday. They pasted pages the size of a poster of climate science articles on the glass facade, and some, including Smart, glued their hands to the window and used chalk to erase the symbols of extinction on the glass.
Scientists gather for XR member detained by police after climate protest – video
The Sofia police announced that she was accused of damages. The forces said: “Smart was arrested at the scene and charged the next day. She was remanded in custody to appear in Westminster Magistrates’ Court at the earliest opportunity. As the courts are closed on public holidays, the date of this appearance is Saturday, April 16.
“Decisions on bail are taken on a case-by-case basis and address a range of issues, including but not limited to whether there is a risk to society or the detainee, the likelihood of non-compliance with bail or concealment and any previous history of release. under warranty.
“While people are in custody, officers have an obligation to take care of their well-being and will ensure that the medical needs of all detainees are taken into account. Healthcare professionals are available for each care apartment. “
On Friday, Peter Kalmus, a NASA climatologist who took part in scientists’ protests against the US climate crisis, offered his support for Smart and called on others to join the civil disobedience protests.
“My heart is with Emma, she is in the next level of risk. “I am grateful for what she is doing and I hope the world will start supporting her,” Kalmus said. “The best way to support Emma is to take action on civil disobedience yourself. As more and more of us begin to take such action, the risk for all of us begins to diminish.
“For the governments that are shutting down Emma and trying to stop this kind of protest: you are on the wrong side of history and it is now absolutely clear.
Smart has a history of environmental activism, taking part in loud protests with Insulate Britain.
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