Arrests after protesters breach London prison grounds

Arrests after protesters breach London prison grounds

Authorities have detained 86 individuals following an alleged breach of the grounds at Wormwood Scrubs prison in west London, according to the Metropolitan Police. The group is reported to have staged a demonstration in solidarity with a prisoner associated with Palestine Action who is currently undertaking a hunger strike. During the incident, protestors are said to have threatened police officers and obstructed prison personnel from entering and exiting the facility.

The Prisoners for Palestine campaign group has identified the inmate at the center of the protest as Muhammad Umer Khalid, aged 22. They report that Khalid began a thirst strike on Friday as a form of protest. He is currently awaiting trial concerning accusations linked to a break-in at RAF Brize Norton that took place last June; however, he denies the charges brought against him. Police have indicated that all those involved in the protest will be arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass after refusing to vacate the premises.

The Metropolitan Police revealed that some protestors gained access to a staff entrance area within the prison complex. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice emphasized that prison security remained intact throughout the incident. The spokesperson described the protest as an escalation in tactics and condemned the actions as entirely unacceptable. They also acknowledged the right to peaceful protest but expressed serious concern about reports of trespassing and threats directed at staff and police officers.

Prisoners for Palestine further explained that Khalid suffers from limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, a hereditary condition, and described his thirst strike as “extremely dangerous.” The situation highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the prisoner and the wider campaign supporting his case

Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More