The group in question was arrested during a demonstration in London on July 19, allegedly showing support for Palestine Action. According to the Metropolitan Police, they were all charged via postal summons.
The individuals charged on September 1 include Della Wolf, 70, from Oxford; Amanda Caroline Griffin, 70, from Wallingford; April Elizabeth Jones, 47, from Oxford; Marie Walsh, 72, from Didcot; and Virginia Herbert, 77, from Wallingford. Michael Sackur, 27, from Reading, Berkshire, has also been charged.
These defendants are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on October 27 and 28, facing accusations of a terrorism offence for allegedly supporting a proscribed organization.
Detective Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command stated, “We are quickly and efficiently investigating those arrested for showing support towards Palestine Action and working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). Further charging decisions are anticipated this week and beyond. We fully recognize the right to peaceful protest, and many continue to demonstrate in support of Palestine within the bounds of counter-terrorism laws. I urge anyone considering showing support for Palestine Action to reconsider, as it may lead to arrest and prosecution.”
Recently, the Met charged 73-year-old Susan Spencer-Longhurst of Oxford, and Andrea Huwes, 69, from Wantage, among others, for their alleged support of the group. Michael Adams from Buckinghamshire and Helen Palmer from Wokingham were also charged in the Thames Valley region. The arrests occurred in central London on July 5 and July 12.
Palestine Action had encouraged supporters to participate in mass protests, aiming to overwhelm the justice system. However, Met Commander Dominic Murphy dismissed this strategy as “completely misguided.”
The group was banned following their alleged responsibility for damage to jets at RAF Brize Norton and a serious assault on staff and police officers in Gloucestershire. Hundreds have been arrested since the proscription. Co-founder Huda Ammori is contesting the ban legally, with a full challenge slated for November.
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