Plot to Disrupt London Stock Exchange Thwarted: Six Arrested in Palestine Action Week
Pro-Palestinian activists, aiming to cause damage to London Stock Exchange were arrested by the Metropolitan police, raising concerns about potential disruptions to financial markets
In a surprising turn of events, six pro-Palestine activists have been apprehended over an alleged plot to disrupt the London Stock Exchange (LSE). The Metropolitan Police, serving the Greater London area, disclosed that arrests were made in London, Liverpool, and Brighton.
Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas underscored the significance of the arrests, stating, "These are significant arrests. We believe this group was ready to carry out a disruptive and damaging stunt which could have had serious implications had it been carried out successfully."
The alleged plan indicated that activists from the Palestine Action group aimed to target the LSE on Monday morning, employing tactics such as "locking on" to impede the building from opening for trading. The Metropolitan Police initiated their investigation on January 12, acting swiftly after receiving the information.
Palestine Action, described as a pro-Palestinian network taking direct action against "British complicity with Israeli apartheid," accused the LSE of raising funds for the "apartheid state of Israel" and supporting Israeli businesses actively.
The arrests included a 31-year-old man from Liverpool, arrested in the early hours of Sunday, and five others, arrested later in the day, spanning locations like London, Liverpool, and Brighton. All six remain in custody as detectives delve into the alleged conspiracy.
Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas expressed gratitude to the sources for their role in providing crucial information, "It was instrumental in helping us intervene successfully. Having only been provided with the material on Friday afternoon, we had limited time to act."
The alleged disruption was intended to kick off a "planned week of action," prompting heightened police presence in the City of London on Monday. The police are now coordinating efforts with other forces across the UK to ensure preparedness for potential disruptions in the coming days.
In response to the situation, Palestine Action took to social media, stating, "While Palestinians are being massacred and remain brutally colonized by a regime which Britain backs, it is crucial that we disrupt every mechanism that enables their oppression."
The LSE, which has operated without a physical trading floor since 1986, declined to comment on the matter. Although physical trading would likely not have been affected, the arrests have highlighted the challenges authorities face in maintaining order amidst various activist movements. The police's prompt intervention prevented potential chaos, but concerns linger about the possibility of future disruptions, necessitating ongoing vigilance.
