About 500 people gather outside Woolwich Crown Court in south-east London during the sentencing of four Palestine Action activists connected to a raid that caused damage at an Elbit defence firm facility in Bristol. As the court hearing proceeds, protesters chant slogans including “Free Palestine” and hold banners such as “Direct Action Saves Lives” and “Direct Action is not Terrorism.”
The Metropolitan Police say 72 people are arrested for supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation, Palestine Action, and that all detained protesters are in police custody. Police vans move to detain demonstrators, with reports of a large police presence and multiple arrests as the sentencing continues. Some protesters also shout messages directed at the police.
Palestine Action is proscribed in the UK, which makes it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group. One reported line of controversy is whether the proscription should stand: the High Court rules in February that the proscription is unlawful, while the government’s appeal keeps it in place for now pending further proceedings.
