London police confirmed on Sunday, January 25th that 86 protesters were arrested after entering the grounds of Wormwood Scrubs prison in West London during a demonstration supporting the Palestine Action prisoner on hunger strike there.
Demonstrators reportedly refused to leave when ordered by officers, blocked prison staff from entering and exiting the facility, and several were seen inside a staff-only area of a building within the site.
The Metropolitan Police said the arrests were made on suspicion of aggravated trespass and stressed that while security was not compromised, the disruption and threats directed at officers and staff were “deeply concerning.”
The protest centred on support for Muhammad Umer Khalid who, according to advocacy group Prisoners for Palestine, has been on hunger strike for more than two weeks. The Ministry of Justice reminded observers that Palestine Action is banned under UK anti-terrorism law following earlier protests and alleged criminal activity.
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