Protesters from Palestine Action, a group the government wants to reclassify as a terrorist organisation, have blocked the entrance of a defence company. A spokesperson for the group said two activists were "disrupting" operations at Elbit Systems in north Bristol on Tuesday, covering the entrance to the site in red paint. Palestine Action allege that Elbit Systems UK is involved in the manufacture and supply of weapons to the Israeli military - a claim that the company strongly denies. The facility has been the focus of anumberofprevious protests, including paint being thrown over the building and a ram raid. The BBC has contacted Elbit Systems for comment. The action comes as a draft order was laid before Parliament on Monday to amend the Terrorism Act 2000 to include Palestine Action as a proscribed organisation. If approved, it would become a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison to be a member of the direct action group or to support it. MPs and peers are expected to debate the legislation on Wednesday and Thursday and, if approved, the ban could come into force by Friday. Protesters on Tuesday morning also occupied the rooftop of subcontractor Guardtech Group in Suffolk. A spokesperson for Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called to the Bristol site at around 06:30 BST and had responded to a protest involving two people. "We're committed to facilitating people's right to peaceful protest, but will not tolerate any criminal behaviour," they added. As of 13:00, the protesters remained at the site. Palestine Action is seeking a legal challenge against the government's bid to proscribe it, with a hearing expected on Friday to decide whether the ban can be temporarily blocked, pending further proceedings to decide whether a legal challenge can be brought. A Suffolk Police spokesperson also said officers and specialist negotiators were on the scene in Brandon "to bring this to a conclusion" and ensure the safety of those in the area. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas's 7 October 2023 attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. Since then,56,500 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. Follow BBC Bristol onFacebook,XandInstagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or viaWhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
Palestine Action protesters block defence firm
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"Protesters Block Entrance of Elbit Systems Amid Government Moves to Classify Palestine Action as Terrorist Organization"
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TruthLens AI Summary
Protesters from Palestine Action, a group facing government efforts to classify it as a terrorist organization, staged a protest by blocking the entrance of Elbit Systems in north Bristol. The protest involved two activists who covered the site’s entrance with red paint, symbolizing their opposition to the defense company, which they allege is involved in manufacturing and supplying weapons to the Israeli military. Elbit Systems has categorically denied these claims. This protest is part of a broader pattern of activism against the company, which has previously seen instances of vandalism and disruption, including past protests where paint was thrown on the building and a ram raid occurred. Elbit Systems has been approached for comments regarding this latest action, as the group continues to draw attention to its activities against the backdrop of escalating violence in the region.
The timing of the protest coincides with legislative moves in Parliament to amend the Terrorism Act 2000, which would classify Palestine Action as a proscribed organization. If the amendment is passed, being a member or offering support to the group could lead to severe legal consequences, including up to 14 years in prison. The debate on this proposal is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, with a potential ban taking effect shortly thereafter. Additionally, Palestine Action is preparing to launch a legal challenge against this government action, with a court hearing anticipated on Friday. In a related incident, protesters also occupied a building belonging to Guardtech Group in Suffolk. Local police have been monitoring the situation, emphasizing their commitment to facilitating peaceful protest while also addressing any criminal activities that may arise during such events. The broader context of these protests is underscored by the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has seen significant casualties since Israel initiated military operations in response to a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
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