Seventy-two people were arrested outside Woolwich Crown Court in London on Friday after gathering in support of Palestine Action during the sentencing hearing of four activists involved in a raid on an Elbit Systems UK factory, Anadolu reports.
The Metropolitan Police said all 72 were being held in custody after being detained for expressing support for Palestine Action, which remains a proscribed organization despite a High Court ruling earlier this year that found the ban unlawful.
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the court as the four activists, known as the Filton 4, faced sentencing over their role in a 2024 action at an Elbit Systems site in Bristol.
Around 200 demonstrators staged a sit-in protest, while others held placards reading: “Saving lives is not terrorism … I support Palestine Action.”
At about 1.20 pm local time, a middle-aged man carrying one of the signs was carried into the back of a police van by officers.
