diff --git a/Config/BWIBuildSettings.swift b/Config/BWIBuildSettings.swift
index 5b3ad2e90..3d8ce4d43 100644
--- a/Config/BWIBuildSettings.swift
+++ b/Config/BWIBuildSettings.swift
@@ -715,4 +715,8 @@ class BWIBuildSettings: NSObject {
 
     // MARK: Contacts List
     var showContactIdentifierInDetailRow = true
+    
+    // MARK: Room Participants
+    // activates swipe gesture action to remove participants from room (RoomParticipantsViewController)
+    var bwiCanEditRoomParticipants = false
 }
diff --git a/Riot/Modules/Room/Members/RoomParticipantsViewController.m b/Riot/Modules/Room/Members/RoomParticipantsViewController.m
index 404891d53..ccb77acbd 100644
--- a/Riot/Modules/Room/Members/RoomParticipantsViewController.m
+++ b/Riot/Modules/Room/Members/RoomParticipantsViewController.m
@@ -1151,9 +1151,13 @@
 
 - (BOOL)tableView:(UITableView *)tableView canEditRowAtIndexPath:(NSIndexPath *)indexPath
 {
-    if (indexPath.section == participantsSection || indexPath.section == invitedSection)
+    // bwi: #5671 deactivate swipe gesture - remove participant from room
+    if (BWIBuildSettings.shared.bwiCanEditRoomParticipants)
     {
-        return YES;
+        if (indexPath.section == participantsSection || indexPath.section == invitedSection)
+        {
+            return YES;
+        }
     }
     return NO;
 }