Police arrest 86 protesters supporting Palestine Action outside prison
Eighty-six people were arrested on suspicion of serious trespass following a protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs in West London.
The arrests, confirmed by the Metropolitan Police on Saturday evening, came after demonstrators breached prison grounds while protesting in support of a Palestine Action prisoner on hunger strike.
Police said the group refused to leave the building when ordered, allegedly blocked the entry and exit of prison staff and made threats against officers.
It was also reported that some of those detained managed to enter the personnel entrance area of the prison building.
It was learned that the protesters could not overcome security.
A Ministry of Justice spokesman described the incident as “deeply concerning”.
They said: “The escalation of the protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs is completely unacceptable.
“While we support the right to peaceful protest, reports of trespassing and threats made against staff and police officers are deeply concerning.
“Prison security has not been compromised at any point, but where the actions of individuals cause risk or actual harm to hard-working staff this will not be taken lightly and those responsible can expect to face consequences.
“Prisoners are managed in accordance with long-standing policy.
“This includes regular checks by medical teams, heart monitoring, blood tests and re-eating and drinking support. If deemed appropriate by medical teams, prisoners will be hospitalized.”
In the images shared on social media, a group was seen chanting slogans outside the prison, some carrying banners in their hands.
At one point, the group can be seen heading towards a building, and a video shows some demonstrators inside.
It seems that they organized the demonstration in support of Umer Khalid.
According to the group, he is the last remaining participant in the Prisoners of Palestine hunger strike campaign.
