Seventy-two people have been arrested during a protest outside a court in southeast London, where four supporters of Palestine Action were being sentenced for destroying equipment worth over £1.2 million at an Israeli defence firm's factory in Bristol.
Protest at Woolwich Crown Court
Around 500 demonstrators gathered outside Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday, chanting 'Free Palestine' and holding signs that read 'Direct Action Saves Lives' and 'Direct Action is not Terrorism'. The protest was in support of the four activists facing sentencing for their actions at the Elbit factory.
Police vans arrived at the scene, and the first arrest occurred at approximately 1:20 pm. As protesters were carried away by officers, crowds applauded and some shouted at police. Chants included 'you're complicit in genocide' and 'Met police, shame, shame, all the crimes in your name.'
Metropolitan Police Statement
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 72 people were arrested for supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation – Palestine Action. All remain in police custody.
Palestine Action was designated as a terrorist organisation in the UK, a move that has faced widespread criticism. Belonging to or supporting the group is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Campaign Group Response
Campaign group Defend Our Juries, which opposes the proscription of Palestine Action, stated: 'Hundreds of people are willing to be arrested as terrorists to highlight that what is happening to the four young people being sentenced today should absolutely not be happening in a British court of law. Saving lives is not terrorism, and the people taking action today, along with leading lawyers, celebrities, teachers and health workers are saying it is dangerous for everyone if the judges are allowed to misuse the law in this way.'
The High Court ruled in February that the proscription of Palestine Action is unlawful, but it remains in place pending a government appeal.
