Cliff Notes
- Two individuals were arrested for allegedly causing criminal damage and blocking the entrance of Elbit Systems in Bristol, following a protest by Palestine Action.
- The arrests coincide with a proposed government bill aiming to classify Palestine Action as a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act, making membership a criminal offence.
- Activists assert that their direct actions seek to draw attention to alleged human rights abuses in Gaza, amidst ongoing debates in Parliament regarding the proposed ban.
Two people arrested after Palestine Action claimed it blocked Israeli defence firm’s UK site | UK News
Two people have been arrested after Palestine Action claimed to have blockaded the entrance of an Israeli defence company’s UK headquarters.
The move comes ahead of proposed government legislation that will ban the group under anti-terror law.
A Palestine Action spokesperson said on Tuesday that activists had blocked the entrance to Elbit Systems in Bristol, and covered it in red paint “to symbolise Palestinian bloodshed”.
Avon and Somerset Police later said a 30-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man, both from London, were arrested on suspicion of criminal damage, unauthorised entry to a prohibited place and locking on to a person, object or land to cause serious disruption.
The force said officers were called to the site at around 6.30 am.
A police spokeswoman said: “Two people have been arrested following a small protest outside a premises at the Aztec West Business Park, in Almondsbury.
“They remain in police custody and inquiries are ongoing
“We’re committed to facilitating people’s right to peaceful protest, but will not tolerate any criminal behaviour.”
The arrests come as a draft order was laid before parliament on Monday to amend the Terrorism Act 2000 to include Palestine Action as a proscribed organisation.
If approved, it would become a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to be a member of the direct action group or to support it.
MPs and peers are set to debate the legislation on Wednesday and Thursday and, if approved, the ban could come into force by Friday.