Petrysco Mengler, 45, performance artist from Brighton
Petr, who is originally from the Czech Republic, was arrested on 21st April on Waterloo Bridge during the April Rebellion and charged under Section 14 of the Public Order Act. He was tried on the 12th December 2019 at City of London Magistrates’ Court, found guilty and recieved a nine month conditional discharge and £299 court costs.
“I’m a Brighton-based visual artist. I did two street performances at the Extinction Rebellion occupations during the April Rebellion and really enjoyed the peaceful, positive atmosphere. Being there with the others made me believe we can make real change happen.
I was with my friends on Waterloo Bridge on Sunday 21st of April when the police started arresting people and taking them away. Originally I hadn’t planned to be arrested, but being there at that moment I decided to follow my heart and not be subdued by fear. I super-glued myself to a lamp post and after a couple of hours I was arrested and carried away. Yes, I broke the law. But I broke it in order to make it work. For every human being and for this planet.”
Photo credit: Joe Twigg