UK charges four activists over airbase break-in tied to Palestine protest
The activists, aged between 22 and 35, are accused of conspiring to enter a prohibited place for purposes harmful to the UK's safety or interests, and conspiring to commit criminal damage, according to a Reuters report. The four remain in custody and are scheduled to appear before a court in London on Thursday.
Police said they will submit evidence in court linking the incident to terrorism-related activity.
Protest group Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the June 20 break-in at the RAF Brize Norton airbase in Oxfordshire, Central England. In a statement, the group said activists sprayed red paint on two military aircraft, which are used for transport and refuelling, to symbolise bloodshed and protest Britain's role in arming Israel.
Police said the damage to the aircraft is estimated at £7 million ($9.55 million).
Just a day before the court hearing, British lawmakers voted to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. The group condemned the move, calling it an 'abuse of power', and announced plans to challenge the decision in court.
Palestine Action has frequently targeted UK-based defence contractors, including facilities linked to Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems, as part of its campaign to end what it calls the UK's complicity in Israeli military actions.
Palestine Action has been involved in a series of high-profile direct actions, often involving property damage or site occupations. The group argues these protests are necessary to draw attention to what it views as the UK's active role in enabling Israeli operations in Gaza.
UK authorities, however, have raised concerns over the escalating tactics and security risks, culminating in this week's charges and the group's formal terrorist designation.
(With inputs from Reuters)
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