A group of protesters supporting a Palestine Action prisoner on hunger strike have been arrested after breaching the grounds of HMP Wormwood Scrubs in West London, the Metropolitan Police have reported.
According to the authorities, the protesters refused to leave the prison premises when ordered to do so, allegedly blocking prison staff from entering and leaving, and threatening police officers. Some demonstrators even managed to gain access to a staff entrance area of the prison building.
The protesters were arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass. Footage shared on social media showed the group chanting outside the prison, with some holding signs. At one point, the protesters can be seen moving towards a building, and a clip appears to show some demonstrators inside the prison grounds.
The demonstration was held in support of Umer Khalid, the last remaining participant in the Prisoners for Palestine hunger strike campaign, according to the group. Khalid is currently being held at HMP Wormwood Scrubs.
The Metropolitan Police stated that they had detained a group of protesters outside the prison and were in the process of making a number of arrests. The force said the group had breached the prison grounds and refused to leave when instructed to do so.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and activism surrounding the issue of Palestine, with protesters willing to take direct action in support of prisoners and their causes. The arrests underscore the challenges faced by authorities in maintaining order and security within the prison system, particularly when faced with determined and passionate protesters.
As the situation continues to unfold, it will be crucial for all parties involved to engage in constructive dialogue and find ways to address the underlying concerns in a peaceful and lawful manner.
