Six charged with terror offences over support for Palestine Action

Six people have been charged with terrorism offences in relation to arranging public protests and hosting online meetings in support of Palestine Action.

The charges relate to gatherings held in London, Manchester, and Cardiff between 12 July and 9 August, as well as a planned demonstration on 6 September in London.

The offences also relate to 13 meetings held on Zoom between 10 July and 21 August.

They are:

• Timothy Crosland, 55, of Southwark, London

• Patrick Friend, 26, of Grange, Edinburgh

• Gwen Harrison, 48, of Kendal, Cumbria

• David Nixon, 39, of Barnsley, South Yorkshire

• Dawn Manners, 56, of Hackney, London

• Melanie Griffith, 62, of Southwark, London

They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

The Met Police said they were arrested on Tuesday - which is when campaign group Defend Our Juries, which has organised a series of protests in support of Palestine Action, said five of its spokespeople had been arrested.

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The latest charges come ahead of a planned protest on Saturday where organisers have said they are expecting more than 1,000 people to gather in London's Parliament Square, holding signs saying "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action".

During an online news conference held by Defend Our Juries on Wednesday, it emerged protesters are being urged to demand they are taken into custody rather than accept "street bail" if they are arrested at the demonstrations.

The move could potentially overwhelm police forces.

More than 700 people were arrested during a number of demonstrations in support of Palestine Action over the summer - with police using street bail after arresting the protesters in order to avoid having to process them all in custody.

(c) Sky News 2025: Six charged with terror offences over support for Palestine Action