Seven arrested at base demo accused of supporting banned group

Seven arrested at base demo accused of supporting banned group

During a peace demonstration at an RAF base, seven individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of backing the banned Palestine Action group. The arrests occurred outside the main gate of Lakenheath airbase on Sunday, as part of a protest against the Iran war. Suffolk Police confirmed the action followed reports that a US fighter jet shot down in Iran on Friday had been stationed at the facility.

The protesters, who had set up a six-day encampment with a continuous vigil, were detained as the High Court recently ruled the proscription of Palestine Action unlawful. However, the Home Office was granted permission to challenge the decision, keeping the ban in effect until the appeal concludes. The arrests were made under the charge of supporting a proscribed organization, according to a spokesperson.

“They have been taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning,” the spokesperson added. “Suffolk Police has a duty to enforce the law without fear or favour, and as it currently stands, not as it might be in the future. Where offences are believed to have occurred, appropriate action will be taken.”

The peace camp, which had drawn attention to the base’s role in military operations, concluded on Monday. Lakenheath Alliance For Peace stated the arrests happened after retired colonel Chris Romberg delivered a speech to the protesters. Meanwhile, two individuals were also charged with wilful obstruction of the highway due to a blockade at the base on Saturday.

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