Metropolitan Police Detain Protesters at West London Prison Demonstration
The Metropolitan Police have confirmed the arrest of a group of protesters who breached the grounds of HMP Wormwood Scrubs in West London. The demonstration, which took place on Saturday evening, was held in support of a Palestine Action prisoner currently on hunger strike.
Alleged Disruption and Threats During Protest
According to police reports, the protesters refused to leave the prison grounds when ordered to do so. They are alleged to have blocked prison staff from both entering and exiting the facility, and made threats towards police officers present at the scene. The Met stated that a number of individuals managed to gain access to a staff entrance area within one of the prison buildings.
All those detained are being arrested on suspicion of aggravated trespass, a charge relating to entering and disrupting activities on private land without permission. Footage circulating on social media platforms showed demonstrators chanting outside the prison walls, with some holding placards and signs. One video clip appears to show protesters inside a building on the premises.
Connection to Hunger Strike Campaign
The protest was organised in support of Umer Khalid, who is described by the group as the last remaining participant in the Prisoners for Palestine hunger strike campaign. This campaign, associated with the activist network Palestine Action, has drawn attention to issues related to Palestinian rights through direct action and civil disobedience tactics.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions surrounding protest activities at sensitive locations in the capital. HMP Wormwood Scrubs, a Category B men's prison in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, has been the site of previous demonstrations, though this represents a significant escalation in tactics according to law enforcement officials.
Police resources were deployed to manage the situation and restore normal access to the prison facility. The Metropolitan Police have not released specific numbers regarding how many individuals were detained during the operation, but confirmed that arrests were ongoing as they processed those involved in the demonstration.
