Seven arrested at base demo accused of supporting banned group

Seven Arrested at RAF Base Protest Over Palestine Action Allegations

During a peace demonstration at an RAF base, seven individuals were detained on suspicion of backing the banned Palestine Action group. The arrests took place on Sunday as five men and two women were apprehended near the main entrance of Lakenheath airbase, Suffolk Police reported. The protest was triggered by media claims that a US fighter jet, downed in Iran on Friday, had been stationed at the facility.

“The suspects were detained on ‘suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation’ and have been taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning,” a spokesperson for Suffolk Police stated. “Our duty is to enforce the law without fear or favour, acting on current conditions rather than future possibilities.”

The High Court ruled in February that the ban on Palestine Action was unlawful, but allowed the Home Office to appeal, maintaining the restriction pending the outcome. The protest was part of a six-day peace camp featuring a continuous vigil outside the base, set to end on Monday.

The Lakenheath Alliance For Peace noted that the arrests followed a speech by retired Colonel Chris Romberg to the demonstrators. Suffolk Police also confirmed two people were charged with wilful obstruction of the highway after a Saturday blockade at the base.

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