A psychiatric doctor was arrested outside HMP Bronzefield during a protest demanding ambulances be allowed into the prison to treat pro-Palestinian hunger strikers, sparking fierce criticism and heightened tensions at the facility’s gates.
Dr. Ayo Moiett was detained as demonstrators gathered near the entrance to the prison, located on the outskirts of Ashford in Surrey. HMP Bronzefield is an adult and young offender female prison, and is operated by Sodexo Justice Services. It is the only purpose-built private prison exclusively for women in the UK, and is also recognised as the largest female prison in Europe.
According to protesters, the demonstration was organised to call for urgent medical access for inmates participating in a hunger strike. Demonstrators contended that ambulances and outside medical professionals should be allowed into the prison to assess and treat prisoners whose health may be in rapid decline.
Footage from the scene shows multiple police officers dragging Dr. Moiett toward a police van as bystanders yelled in protest. Videos and still images circulating from the event show a significant police presence, with officers appearing to shove or forcefully push aside demonstrators as tensions escalated.
One video captured shouts of anger from the crowd as Dr. Moiett was taken into custody, with several individuals demanding an explanation for the arrest. Witnesses voiced concern over what they described as heavy-handed tactics by police during the protest, particularly in response to the arrest of a medical professional advocating for prisoner health.
Police have not yet released a detailed statement explaining the reason for Dr. Moiett’s arrest. They have also not responded publicly to accusations of excessive force during the incident.
Organisers of the protest said that the doctor’s arrest has only intensified growing concern over how authorities are responding to humanitarian-focused demonstrations, particularly those linked to the crisis in Gaza and the treatment of prisoners associated with pro-Palestinian activism.
At the time of publication, no further details have been made available regarding charges or the current condition of the hunger strikers.
