Palestine Action Supporter Arrested in Belfast Amidst UK Crackdown
A woman displaying support for Palestine Action was arrested during an anti-racism demonstration in Belfast City Center, according to reports.This arrest follows a July decision by the British Government to criminalize expressing support for, or membership in, Palestine Action under terrorism laws.
Concurrently, approximately 365 individuals were apprehended in London for demonstrating support for the proscribed group after gathering in Parliament Square on Saturday. The arrests signal a broader effort to suppress activism related to Palestine Action across the United Kingdom.
Footage circulating online depicts police informing the woman in Belfast that she was being detained on suspicion of possessing an item – specifically a t-shirt or sign – indicating support for Palestine Action. This action has sparked criticism from political representatives.
Gerry Carroll, a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for Belfast, strongly condemned the police’s actions against pro-Palestine activists. He urged Executive ministers to defend the right to protest adn to drop any potential charges against those arrested.
“The world is witnessing widespread starvation and daily executions perpetrated by Israel,yet those being targeted in Belfast are individuals who stand in solidarity with Palestine,” Carroll stated. He further contrasted the police response with the lack of action taken against far-right protesters displaying provocative pro-Israel signage.
Carroll criticized the British Government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action,noting that the vote occurred without any input from the Northern Ireland Assembly. Pat Sheehan, a Sinn Féin MLA for West Belfast, labeled the actions of the british Government and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) as “disgraceful.”
sheehan also criticized Labor Party leader Keir Starmer, accusing him of enabling the “ongoing Israeli genocide and starvation of Gazans” while simultaneously attempting to silence dissent.He referenced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent announcement of intentions to seize Gaza City, highlighting what he perceives as a double standard in Starmer’s approach.
“Highlighting the devastation in Gaza is not a crime,” Sheehan asserted. “The true crime lies in Israel’s policy of ethnic cleansing and genocide, which is supported by the United States and Britain.”
The PSNI has been approached for a statement regarding the incident.
Disclaimer: This article reports on legal and political developments. It is not intended to provide legal or political advice.Readers should consult with qualified professionals for specific guidance.
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