December 21st 2024.
In August, a 77-year-old woman from Bristol named Grandmother Gaie Delap was sentenced to 20 months in prison for participating in protests on the M25 in November 2022. However, due to her age and health condition, she was released on a home detention curfew on November 18.
Unfortunately, the Electronic Monitoring Service was unable to fit an electronic tag on her ankle due to her health condition. They then attempted to fit one on her wrist, but were unable to do so. As a result, a warrant was issued for her arrest on December 5. According to the protest group Just Stop Oil, Delap had been fully compliant with the terms of her release.
It is important to note that Delap suffers from various health conditions and even had a stroke before her trial in August 2024. She reportedly experienced mistreatment while in prison, including wrist problems from being handcuffed to a bed while in the hospital. The warrant for her arrest was issued while she was receiving treatment, which is concerning and unfair.
As friends and family of 78-year-old climate activist Gaie Delap, we are disappointed and outraged by her recall to prison. Delap took action in 2022 to protest the government's decision to issue over 100 new oil and gas licenses, despite the extreme heat and resulting deaths in Europe. She did this out of a sense of duty to protect her children, grandchildren, and all of us.
We find it unjust that those truly causing disruption, such as fossil fuel executives and corrupt politicians, are able to walk free while Delap is being punished for her peaceful protest. Delap's family and friends are appalled by her recall to prison and believe there are alternatives to an electronic tag, especially considering her medical conditions. We urge the Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood to reconsider this decision.
The Ministry of Justice claims that they have a duty to enforce sentences, but we believe this is a waste of resources and money. It will cost the taxpayers £12,000 to keep Delap in prison, when there are surely more cost-effective solutions available. We implore for common sense to prevail in this situation.
We ask for the support of our community to contact Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood and urge her to reverse this decision. We cannot stand by and watch an elderly and peaceful protester be unfairly punished. Let us come together and demand justice for Gaie Delap.
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