Police arrest 72 protesters as hundreds gather over Palestine Action sentencing

More than 70 pro-Palestine activists have been arrested outside Woolwich Crown Court on suspicion of supporting a proscribed terror group.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed 72 people had been detained after attending a protest in support of four Palestine Action activists.

Samuel Corner, Charlotte Head, Leona Kamio and Fatema Rajwani were found guilty of criminal damage last month after raiding an Elbit Systems site in Bristol.

The group, which targeted the Israeli-linked defence firm in August 2024, caused an estimated £1million worth of damage.

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Corner, 23, was also found guilty of grievous bodily harm after hitting a police officer with a sledgehammer.

The defendants, who had previously been cleared in February, were convicted during a retrial.

Scotland Yard confirmed police vans arrived outside Woolwich Crown Court to ferry demonstrators away after the first person was arrested at about 1.20pm.

Activists chanted at officers as they carried away each protester, with some shouting: "You're complicit in genocide."

In a second chant, activists said: "Met Police, shame, shame, all the crimes in your name."

Scotland Yard has since confirmed all 72 protesters have been taken into police custody.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said: “A number of arrests have been made during a protest in south east London.

“Seventy-two people have been arrested for supporting a proscribed terrorist organisation – Palestine Action – at a demonstration outside Woolwich Crown Court. All are currently in police custody.”

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