Retired priest, 83, among Palestine Action protesters arrested
UNITED KINGDOM, JUL 5 – The UK government banned Palestine Action after its admitted vandalism caused £7 million in damage, with penalties for support reaching up to 14 years in prison.
- On July 5, 2025, 29 individuals, including 83-year-old Reverend Sue Parfitt, were taken into custody by police during a protest supporting the banned group Palestine Action held in Parliament Square, central London.
- The arrests came after Parliament voted 385 to 26 on Wednesday to officially designate Palestine Action as a banned group under the Terrorism Act 2000.
- The group was accused of causing around £7 million of damage, including vandalism of two RAF Brize Norton aircraft on June 20, and members faced charges of conspiracy relating to criminal damage and restricted entry.
- Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley emphasized that the issue extends beyond protest, describing it as an instance of significant illegal activity, while Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the group as "disgraceful" and noted their repeated involvement in damaging property.
- The proscription criminalised membership or support of Palestine Action from midnight July 5, leading to released suspects awaiting inquiries and marking increased enforcement despite criticism over civil liberties.
27 Articles
27 Articles
U.K. Police Arrest Activists, Including 83-Year-Old Priest, for Protesting Ban on Palestine Action
Police in London arrested 29 protesters as they gathered in Parliament Square Saturday to support Palestine Action, hours after a ban against the direct action group came into effect. Among those arrested was Reverend Sue Parfitt, an 83-year-old retired Anglican priest who was arrested for displaying a sign reading, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
‘The law has no age limit’ – reverend (83) is arrested at Palestine Action protest
The law does not have an age limit, the head of the Britain’s Metropolitan Police said after an 83-year-old reverend was arrested when protesters gathered to show support for Palestine Action, which has been banned as a terror group.
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