Nine Arrested in Protests at RAF Lakenheath Over US Operations

British police arrested nine protesters over the weekend near RAF Lakenheath in Suffolk, eastern England, as activists blockaded entrances to the air base to oppose its use by United States forces in Middle East operations. The demonstrations, organized by the Lakenheath Alliance for Peace, drew more than 100 participants and highlighted concerns over the United Kingdom's role in supporting U.S. military actions against Iran.

On Saturday, April 4, demonstrators formed a blockade outside the main gate, establishing a peace encampment as part of a six-day vigil that began earlier in the week and concluded on April 6. Suffolk Police arrested two people on suspicion of obstructing a public highway during the action. The following day, Sunday, April 5, seven others—five men and two women—were detained at the same site on suspicion of supporting the proscribed organization Palestine Action. The individuals were wearing clothing bearing the message "We oppose genocide, we support Palestine Action." Police stated they were enforcing current law, despite a February court ruling that deemed the group's terrorist designation disproportionate and an infringement on free speech rights. The...