Pro-Palestine activists storm Glasgow building & hold ‘sit-in'
Demonstrators say they took action after bosses refused to boycott Israel
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PRO-Palestine activists stormed an arts hub after vandals defaced Glasgow University's iconic building with red paint.
More than 200 protesters mobbed the Centre for Contemporary Arts with around 20 getting inside after bosses locked the doors in a bid to stop them creating a 'liberation zone'.
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Protesters took action due to centre chiefs' refusals to back a boycott of Israel
Credit: artworkersforpalestinescotland
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Around 20 activists mounted a peaceful 'sit-in' after gaining access to the CCA in Glasgow city centre
Credit: artworkersforpalestinescotland
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Dozens more chanted as they stood outside the locked centre
Credit: artworkersforpalestinescotland
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Demonstrators held study groups outside after being blocked from entering the CCA
Credit: artworkersforpalestinescotland
A woman, 63, was arrested after allegations a police officer was punched.
Hours earlier anti-Israel graffiti was scrawled and paint hurled over the historic uni a mile away.
One demonstrator told The Scottish Sun: 'One of the organisers managed went inside but was forcibly removed by security guards.
'The doors were locked.
'I think a delivery guy opened them and 20 more got inside.
'Police moved in and told them nobody was leaving until they provided their personal details.
'Outside a woman was dragged by three officers and put in the back of a van.
'There was a big line of police cars down the street and drivers were tooting their horns.'
Art Workers For Palestine Scotland urged supporters to descend on the city centre culture hub after it was stopped from carrying out a five-day 'spontaneous programme takeover'.
The group claimed activists were 'kettled' by police after they skirted security to gain entry to a foyer as an "act of reclaiming".
Five Glasgow University students have been on hunger strike for a week as they warn 'we will not stop'
Organisers wanted to create a "liberated zone of resistance, learning and artistic solidarity with Palestine".
Dozens more blocked the entrance as crowds grew restless outside.
Some yelled at cops, chanting "pigs aren't workers — get a real job" and "who do you protect, who do you serve?".
A woman was seen being pulled by the arms by cops to a waiting marked van as a protester with a megaphone chased behind shouting: 'Shame on you, Police Scotland.'
It is believed the arts centre was targeted because its board refused to back a boycott of Israel and have supported streaming service MUBI which has links to a defence technology company from the country.
At least eight police cars and vans were sent to the scene, with around six people wearing orange hi-vis vests with 'observer' on them watching on as a small group printed canvas banners using paint and rollers on the pavement.
Signs with 'Free Palestine', 'Hypocrites Stink' and 'Are you guys not embarrassed' were stuck to the outside of the windows during the demonstration which began around noon yesterday.
Art Workers For Palestine Scotland claimed centre chiefs are "complicit in genocide" by refusing to boycott Israel and MUBI in an online statement.
It said: "CCA will never stop the work of liberation.
"They are letting Israel in and shutting Palestine out."
Other anti-Israel slogans and red triangles were daubed over Glasgow Uni's 19th-century Gilbert Scott building after it was attacked the previous night.
Activists are believed to have vandalised the country's second oldest learning centre over funding for arms firms supplying Israel.
A spokesman said: 'The University of Glasgow upholds the right to freedom of expression, including the right of staff and students to engage in peaceful demonstrations.
'However, we do not tolerate criminal activities or those which interfere with the rights of others to go about their business in peace.'
Police Scotland confirmed it had received a report of vandalism at the uni and lifted one person at the arts centre demo.
A spokesman said: 'We received a report of a disturbance involving a large group on Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow.
'Officers attended and engaged with those present.
'The group later dispersed.
'A 63-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection, and is expected to appear at court at a later date.'
The CCA has been approached for comment.
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