Protest at ZARA in Bristol After Teenage Assault
On March 14, protesters assembled outside a ZARA store in Bristol, England, voicing their outrage against the fast fashion retailer for allegedly denying shelter to a teenage girl who was subsequently attacked. Around 20 demonstrators carried signs with messages like “Where have you been?”, “Shopping should be safe,” and “Children before profits.”
This protest was sparked by an incident where a girl was hospitalized after ZARA staff allegedly failed to intervene during her assault. Reports suggest she was first confronted at a bus stop and then followed and harassed for roughly 25 minutes by a group of about 25 individuals.
Her father expressed deep frustration, saying, “I feel like she failed, I really do.” He indicated that she sought help at the bus stop and attempted to take refuge inside ZARA, but was ultimately attacked.
Authorities have noted that this troubling incident appears to relate to a rising trend of “school wars” on social media, which encourages fighting among students. Avon and Somerset Police have issued warnings to parents about this trend.
Video footage shows the girl being cornered, with a countdown before the group begins to punch her until she collapses. The attack escalates as the group proceeds to stomp and kick her while she is curled up on the ground.
According to her father’s account, she finally found safety when a group of students took her to an apartment. As of now, she has not returned to school or spoken since the incident. He heartbreakingly noted, “I went to work and sat in the van for a few days. I couldn’t work. I couldn’t go out.”
In connection with the attack, Avon and Somerset Police have made several arrests, including a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old girl on suspicion of verbal abuse, as well as three others aged 14, 13, and 13, on various charges such as assault and racially aggravated threats.
A spokesperson for Zara UK stated that the company is concerned for the girl, confirmed she was in the store for a short time, and is cooperating with the investigation.
