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Greenpeace co-leader among activists arrested for pouring blood-red dye into US embassy pond
Activists pour blood-red dye into US Embassy pond in protest against arms sales to Israel

SIX Greenpeace activists were arrested today following a demonstration outside the US embassy in London against the continued sale of arms to Israel.

Protesters tipped 300 litres of non-toxic, biodegradable blood-red dye from containers with the words “Stop Arming Israel” written on into a large pond in front of the embassy building.

The containers were delivered to the embassy on bicycles disguised as delivery couriers.

Among those arrested was Greenpeace UK co-executive director Will McCallum, on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage, which carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison.

Official data shows that since taking office in January, US President Donald Trump has approved nearly $12 billion (£9.3bn) in military sales to Israel.

The group is urging the British and US governments to announce a total arms embargo on Israel to stop its genocide in Gaza.

Greenpeace UK’s other co-executive director Areeba Hamid said: “These arrests are further proof that the right to protest is under attack in the UK.

“This protest used biodegradable pond dye that is designed to disperse and wash away naturally.

“We took this action because US weapons continue to fuel an indiscriminate war that’s seen bombs dropped on schools and hospitals, entire neighbourhoods blasted to rubble, and tens of thousands of Palestinian lives obliterated.”

Ms Hamid said that as the biggest supplier of weapons to the Israeli military, the US government “bears a heavy responsibility for the horrors unfolding in Gaza.”

She said: “Rather than passing laws that make it easier for police to arrest people who make their voices heard on the issues they care about, the US and UK governments should listen to the majority of Americans and Brits who support an arms embargo on Israel.”

In a separate action, a niqab-wearing Youth Demand supporter was assaulted by a passer-by as she took part in a protest outside Holborn Station calling for a total trade embargo on Israel.

Zahra, who only wished to share her first name, was knocked out and suffered two seizures.

She said: “I think this was an Islamophobic incident. Because I’ve got a niqab and an abaya on, it’s easy to see I’m of faith.

“I will continue take action with Youth Demand — one prick won’t stop me.

“Those of us of Islamic faith have a responsibility to support our brothers and sisters in Palestine.

“It is time for niqab-wearing women to say stop the bombing and slaughter of innocent children. Stop arming Israel.”

 

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