17 arrests following pro-Palestine protests in Welsh capital
17 pro-Palestine protesters have been arrested by South Wales Police following demonstrations in Cardiff.
The bulk of the arrests were made after around 100 people gathered at Cardiff Bay Police Station to demand the release of a disabled protestor.
The man had led a sit down protest earlier in the day at the junction of Park Place and Boulevard de Nantes near Cardiff’s city centre.
Footage posted online by the campaign group Cymru Students for Palestine showed the man being led away by officers after addressing protesters with a megaphone.
Around 60 people then made their way to Cardiff Bay Police station to demonstrate the arrest.
Further video footage showed protestors entering the front desk area of the station whilst singing and banging drums.
Officers were seen forming a line outside the building and removing protestors from the steps.
The campaigners involved say the protests were peaceful.
Release
A spokesperson said: “Last night around 17 people were arrested following the earlier arrest of a disabled man at a peaceful sit in on Park Place.
“People went to Cardiff Bay to peacefully protest this arrest and call for the immediate release. Within this group were a collection of community members and students from the Cardiff University encampment.
“Police then blocked the entrances to the Cardiff Bay police station and started arresting people who were inside. Reports and videos seem to show forceful actions involved in these arrests. Allegedly causing significant injuries as a result of police actions, including alleged dragging and shoving.
“Police then were seen arresting people standing outside of the station. The people arrested are known to be spread amongst Cardiff Bay, Bridgend, and Merthyr stations, with people currently waiting outside for their release.”
South Wales Police say 16 people were arrested on suspicion of violent behaviour at a police station whilst the man leading the sit down protest was arrested on suspicion of wilful obstruction of the highway and conspiracy to commit public nuisance.
Safety
A spokesperson said: “At around 3.40pm yesterday a report was received of a protest involving 50 to 60 protestors on Boulevard de Nantes, near the junction with Park Place, in Cardiff city centre.
“Officers were deployed to maintain public safety, facilitate peaceful protest, and minimise disruption to the wider community.
“A 36-year-old man from Swansea was arrested on suspicion of wilful obstruction of the highway and conspiracy to commit public nuisance.
“At 9.30pm a further spontaneous protest occurred in the front desk area of Cardiff Bay Police Station and 16 people were arrested on suspicion of violent behaviour at a police station.
“All those arrested remain in custody and enquiries are ongoing.”
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We all, I’m sure, want a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Middle East, and a viable two state solution for both Israel and Palestine. However, there is no excuse for violence on the streets of Wales!
3 downarrows?? Seriously? Do you really endorse violence on our streets??
Perhaps the down voting is linked to your inability to await charges and convictions. Do you really believe everything the Police tell you, gvien they are ordered to stamp down on protests by Sunak. Prove the violence, not make unfounded alegations that align you with the Tory party nonsense.
I would align myself with justice, safety, peaceful protest and good order, not delinquent behaviour. Bravo South Wales Police!
The only violence that occurred was carried out by the police against the protesters!
Agreed, but unfortunately Hamas does not want a ‘two-state solution’. They want the complete destruction of the state of Israel and the extirpation of all Jews from (what they call) ‘Arabic and muslim lands’.
I completely agree. Hamas is not part of the future peace process. They are an evil terrorist group. I understand concern for both the Palestinian and the Israeli people, but I can’t understand why there is so much tolerance of these so-called ‘pro-Palestine’ protesters who are openly chanting Hamas’s evil rhetoric and engaging in, or calling for, acts of violence against Jews, Christians and the West. Our leaders need to get a grip on this.
The police initially arrested a disabled man, I guess it was easier for the police to pick on him because he’s disabled.
Disgraceful!
Once again the jack booted ones were out in force with their warrant cards and truncheon arresting peaceful protesters. If as they claim there was “violence” from protesters then they should present visual evidence of it for everyone to see. If not, they should release these innocent protesters and publicly apologise. Personally I don’t believe a word the police say on these matters because experience tells me that they talk utter nonsense and abuse their power.
I completely agree with you.
With the way things are going, no matter who is in power in westminster, the only form of protest that will be allowed in future will be that the government allows. If you protest against the government you will get the same response you see in China or Russia!
Anyone who is in the UK and thinks the complete destruction of the Isreal state is a good idea need to remove them selves from our country and move to Iran, once Isreal has gone GUESS who’s next?