UK Arrests Pro-Palestine Activists and Journalists Under Terrorism Act
On August 29, UK police charged Richard Barnard, co-founder of the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action, under the Terrorism Act. Barnard is accused of expressing support for a proscribed organization, violating Section 12 of the Terrorism Act 2000, and encouraging criminal damage. The charges stem from speeches Barnard made during a protest on October 8 in Manchester, just a day after Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. He faces a plea hearing on September 18 at Westminster Magistrates’ Court.
The investigation was led by the UK Counter Terrorism Policing North West unit. On the same day Barnard was charged, police raided the home of another Palestine Action activist involved in protests targeting Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms manufacturer. Palestine Action has repeatedly stormed Elbit’s facilities, damaging equipment in protest against their role in supplying arms to Israel, particularly drones and land-based systems.
Barnard’s arrest has raised concerns among pro-Palestinian activists, who accuse UK authorities of suppressing dissent. Palestine Action claims Barnard is being targeted by the Zionist lobby and has called for public support at his court hearing.
The crackdown doesn’t stop with Barnard. British human rights activist and social media influencer Sarah Wilkinson was also arrested on August 29, reportedly over online posts critical of Israel. Her arrest follows similar detentions of journalists like Richard Medhurst, who was held at Heathrow under the Terrorism Act earlier this month.
These actions have heightened fears over the suppression of free speech and political activism in the UK. Critics argue that counterterrorism laws are increasingly being used to silence those who speak out against Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank. As tensions rise, the arrests have drawn attention to the fine line between national security and the right to protest.
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