Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.
A recent crackdown by the Met Police has led to the charging of 67 individuals who were arrested for their alleged support of the proscribed group Palestine Action. Ranging in age from 21 to 83, these individuals were taken into custody in central London on either 5 July or 12 July. Subsequently, hundreds more people have also been arrested by the Met for displaying items in solidarity with the group.
Charges against the arrested individuals were made under section 13 of the Terrorism Act, with a maximum penalty of six months’ imprisonment. Those who were charged have been notified via postal charge requisitions regarding their court appearances. Additionally, the Met continues to send case files to the Crown Prosecution Service for further action. Cdr Dominic Murphy of the Met’s counter-terrorism command dismissed concerns about the impact of protest attendance on police resources, emphasizing that supporting a proscribed organization like Palestine Action will not overwhelm law enforcement.
The individuals facing charges hail from various parts of Britain. A subset of 23 individuals is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 October, while another group of 41 individuals will have court dates on 13, 14, or 27 October for their alleged actions on 12 July. Furthermore, three individuals previously charged under the Terrorism Act in relation to the events of 5 July are scheduled to appear in court on 16 September. The Met has made over 700 arrests since the proscription of Palestine Action on 5 July. In a related development, the group recently secured permission to challenge the ban in the High Court, with the hearing scheduled for November.
Opposing views on the ban have emerged, with the home secretary reiterating her support for the prohibition. Yvette Cooper, in the Observer, highlighted instances where members of Palestine Action were linked to criminal activities like violent disorder and aggravated burglary. The Crown Prosecution Service has identified a potential terrorism connection in these charges, leading to a contentious debate over free speech rights and legitimate protest activities
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
Auto Amazon Links: No products found. Blocked by captcha.