Seven Arrested at RAF Lakenheath Protest
Seven individuals were arrested on Sunday morning on suspicion of supporting the banned group Palestine Action following a protest in Suffolk. The arrests occurred after the protesters joined a peace encampment organized by the Lakenheath Alliance for Peace, which aimed to establish a blockade outside the main gate of the Lakenheath airbase.
Additional Arrests and Charges
In addition to the seven arrests on Sunday, two other individuals were arrested and charged with wilful obstruction of a highway on Saturday. Michelle Macdonagh, from Springhill, Stroud, Gloucestershire, and Yvan Cormier-Scott, residing on Elphinstone Road, Southsea, Hampshire, have both been granted bail and are scheduled to appear at Ipswich Magistrates Court.
Context of the Protest
The protest was organized in response to media reports that a US fighter jet, which was shot down in Iran on the preceding Friday, had departed from the Lakenheath base. The Lakenheath Alliance for Peace issued a statement regarding the arrests:
“Seven arrests were made during Lakenheath peace camp when a group of protesters stood wearing tabards saying, ‘We oppose genocide. We support Palestine Action’. More information to follow.”
Legal Status of Palestine Action
In February, the High Court ruled that the government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action was unlawful. Despite this ruling, the group remains banned as the Home Office has filed an appeal against the decision.
Police Statement
Suffolk Police provided details on the arrests:
“Police have arrested seven people, five men and two women, in Lakenheath on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation. They have been taken to Bury St Edmunds police investigation centre for questioning.
“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. As such, where offences are believed to have occurred appropriate action will be taken.”
Background on Palestine Action Arrests
Since Palestine Action was proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 last summer by then-home secretary Yvette Cooper, over 2,700 people have been arrested for supporting the group. Many arrests have involved individuals holding placards with slogans expressing support for Palestine Action.
Details of the Encampment
The peace encampment has been established since Wednesday, with organizers planning to maintain it until Monday. At the onset of the protest, the organizers displayed a letter addressed to the commanders of the Lakenheath base. The letter expressed concerns regarding what they described as a “disregard for international law” by the Royal Air Force and conveyed opposition to the use of British bases by the US Air Force.
