Friday 15th March marks the first anniversary of the death of Bristol resident, and Brighton born, Anna Campbell. She was killed by the Turkish military whilst helping to defend the city of Afrin, within the Kurdish zone of Rojava (northern Syria), against both ISIS/Daesh, and the Turkish invaders who continue to deny the rights of the Kurdish people to a free & independent home.

Bristol Antifascists and numerous other Bristol groups/projects have issued a callout for a commemoration event to remember Anna & her fallen comrades, and all they stood for:



“15th March 2019 marks the first anniversary of when we lost Anna Campbell. Anna went out to Rojava, the Kurdish region of Syria, to join the Kurdish struggle against fascism. She was inspired by the revolution because of the politics of direct democracy, feminism and environmentalism and fought with the YPJ (Women’s Protection Units), who have been at the forefront in the fight against ISIS. Anna was killed by a Turkish airstrike whilst defending the city of Afrin.

Anna lived in Bristol before she left for Rojava, and throughout her life was active in many groups and causes, including prison abolition, feminism, anti-fascism and animal liberation.

Join with us to remember Anna and all those who have fallen in the struggle, and to take a stand for all that she, and we, believe in. The demonstration will be followed by a gathering at Hydra Bookshop, where Anna volunteered, to launch a zine made by Anna’s friends and comrades and to (hopefully) link up with the Internationalist Commune in Rojava. If you have ideas or contributions for the gathering please get in touch by email on bristolantifascists@riseup[dot]net.

Friends, comrades and all those who wish to remember Anna and others are welcome. Meeting point is the International Brigades plaque at 2pm.”

(The plaque is below the church on Castle Park, near the path overlooking the water. Event info – on FB; on AltBristol)

So who was Anna Campbell? Many have heard of her after she was killed – it was international news for a while, not that the British Government gave a damn. Her family & friends worked hard to ensure the truth about her was known. There were many tributes, such as this one from BASE (ex-Kebele social centre)…but this heartfelt tribute, from Bristol Defendant Solidarity, captured her essence well:



“Our comrade Anna died in courageous struggle fighting against great odds. We miss her – we are sad and full of rage for the loss. She was part of us and has left an indelible mark. Part of her lives on with us and reminds us to hone and target our struggle against oppression… guided by the love for comrades near and far.

We are so very sad at the loss of our great comrade, Anna. Anna’s willingness to put herself on the front line against state oppression at Dale Farm, Calais and of course in Afrin is well documented.

However, her commitment went beyond that and included the ‘quiet work’ she put into Bristol Defendant Solidarity (BDS). She was a very incredible and powerful woman! She gave so much of her time and effort to our group, doing all she could to support defendants facing attacks from the legal system and prisoners held captive by the state.

You could always rely on Anna to get things done and to be there at the heart of our organising and our struggle. She also recognised the efforts of others which helped to support and build revolutionary community. Whether it was writing, postering, leafletting, making banners, attending court, listening to defendant’s fears and needs, organising demos or fundraisers, providing practical support to those facing trial or in prison and so much more, Anna was always there. In the face of it all, Anna often seemed to have plenty of energy and a cheery and good humoured approach to doing all she could to work for revolutionary change. We always knew, and are now seeing the extent of how her involvement with BDS was just one small part of her efforts.

We think Anna’s strength and determination came from her love for all things free, for the people around her and in the struggle to make things better fighting oppression. She was determined. She read so much of the struggles of revolutionaries before her and she knew that she was on the right path in life. Her solid commitment and motivation was always and continues to be an inspiration to us all.

Let’s carry on where she left off. Rest In Power, Anna.”

(Image credits: feature image – graffiti pic/AltBristol & Anna pic/BASE; small image – Prison Abolition)

