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Seven detained in connection with alleged backing of Palestine Action during protest at RAF Lakenheath

Seven individuals were taken into custody on suspicion of aiding the prohibited organization Palestine Action following a demonstration in Suffolk.

The arrests occurred on Sunday morning as participants participated in a peace camp aimed at obstructing the main entrance of the Lakenheath airbase. This protest was organized in response to reports indicating that a US fighter jet, which was downed in Iran on Friday, had departed from the Lakenheath facility.

Additionally, two individuals were arrested and charged with intentionally obstructing a highway on Saturday. Michelle Macdonagh, from Springhill, Stroud in Gloucestershire, and Yvan Cormier-Scott, a resident of Elphinstone Road in Southsea, Hampshire, have both been released on bail and are expected to appear at Ipswich magistrates court.

The Lakenheath Alliance for Peace stated: “Seven arrests occurred during the Lakenheath peace camp, where protesters donned vests proclaiming, ‘We oppose genocide. We support Palestine Action.’ Further details will be provided soon.”

In February, the High Court deemed the government’s decision to designate Palestine Action as unlawful. Nevertheless, the group remains banned while the Home Office pursues an appeal.

The Suffolk police confirmed: “Seven individuals, comprising five men and two women, have been arrested in Lakenheath on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organization. They are currently being questioned at the Bury St Edmunds police investigation center.”

“Suffolk police are committed to upholding the law impartially, based on current regulations rather than potential future changes. Therefore, appropriate actions will be taken when offenses are suspected,” they added.

Since the group was banned under the Terrorism Act last summer by former home secretary Yvette Cooper, over 2,700 arrests have been made related to support for Palestine Action, with many individuals apprehended for displaying placards in favor of the organization.

The peace camp has been ongoing since Wednesday, with organizers intending to maintain it until Monday.

At the outset of the demonstration, the camp’s organizers presented a letter to the commanders of the Lakenheath base, voicing their concerns regarding what they view as a “disregard for international law” by the RAF and their opposition to the utilization of British bases by the US Air Force.


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