A 22-year-old woman has been hit with criminal damage charges after a fiery protest outside HMP Bronzefield in Ashford, Surrey.
Police Van Wrecked in Prison Protest Chaos
Surrey Police confirmed Mehvish Khan, homeless and 22, was charged after a police van was trashed during a raucous protest on Wednesday, 17 December. Officers raced to the scene when protesters tried forcing their way into restricted parts of the prison.
Three Arrested as Tensions Boil Over
- Khan pleaded not guilty at Staines Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 18 December. She was freed on conditional bail and must return on 8 April 2026.
- Two men also faced arrest: a 29-year-old from Wellingborough for common assault, and a 28-year-old from Glasgow for causing grievous bodily harm. Both remain on police bail.
Protest Erupts Over Hunger Strike Fears
The demonstration was sparked by worries over Qesser Zuhrah, a pro-Palestine activist reportedly on hunger strike in custody. Campaigners, including MP Zarah Sultana, gathered outside the jail, demanding urgent medical treatment for Zuhrah.
Zuhrah was later rushed to hospital in an ambulance. As the vehicle arrived, a scuffle broke out between protesters and police, with some trying to block the police van’s exit.
