Hundreds of protesters staged militant demonstrations across the UK last night, with Brighton station among the sites occupied in a coordinated action against Israel’s detention of activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
More than 200 people converged on Brighton station on Thursday evening, blocking the concourse before marching into the city centre, where they later disrupted traffic at one of the busiest junctions. Similar protests were reported at stations in other cities.
The protests erupted after Israeli forces detained members of the Global Sumud Flotilla in the early hours of Thursday morning, prompting anger from solidarity groups in Britain. Brighton and Hove Palestine Solidarity Campaign posted updates during the protest, declaring: “Hundreds now blocking the busiest junction in Brighton city centre. We are with you!”
In response, the British Transport Police (BTP) issued an urgent nationwide warning, urging campaigners not to target railway infrastructure. Assistant Chief Constable Sean O’Callaghan said:
“This is a direct appeal to anyone considering protesting on the railway network this evening – I urge you to think again. The railway is an incredibly dangerous environment and stepping onto tracks could very easily result in serious injury or death. Everyone has the right to protest, but trespassing on the railway is a criminal offence, and those responsible can expect to be arrested.”
BTP confirmed that patrols had been stepped up at key stations across the UK, working with Network Rail to minimise disruption.
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which campaigners say was attempting to break the blockade on Gaza, has drawn international attention and sparked a wave of protests in solidarity.
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