Mass Arrests Shake Youth Demand Amid Westminster Raid
An extraordinary police crackdown has seen nine members of activist group Youth Demand arrested. The swoop followed a Welcome Talk in Westminster and a string of dawn raids nationwide.
Met Raid Quaker Meeting House, Six Arrested
Just after 7:30pm on Thursday, over 30 officers stormed the Quaker Meeting House in Westminster, where Youth Demand was hosting an introductory event for new supporters.
Six people were bundled into custody, including a first-time attendee and a journalist. Three were released by Friday morning, but three remain held.
Dawn Raids Continue: Three More Arrests
At 8am Friday, police arrested Youth Demand backer Eddie Whittingham at his Exeter home. He was later freed without charge. Two others were detained at undisclosed locations, pushing total arrests to nine.
The Met has stayed tight-lipped about the identities of those still in custody.
Activists Cry Political Policing, Vow Resistance
Organisers say the event was a peaceful briefing on the Gaza conflict, climate change, and April civil disobedience plans.
“At this point, it couldn’t be clearer that we are in a police state,” said 20-year-old actor and student Ella Grace-Taylor, arrested and released. “Our politicians will stand by as police engage in mass arrests and imprisonment of anyone who speaks out against the government for being responsible for genocide… We won’t be intimidated.”
Youth Demand hit back, accusing the government of trying to silence young protesters demanding accountability.
“It’s clear that the government sees Youth Demand as a threat. They know we are right… We will not be silenced. Young people all over the country are coming together to shut London down day after day throughout April.”
The group is calling for ongoing, nonviolent protests starting Tuesday, 1 April at 6:30pm outside Senate House Library on Malet Street.
Police Refuse to Confirm Anti-Dissent Charges
The Metropolitan Police have declined to confirm if the arrests were made under laws targeting public disorder. Repeated requests for comment have gone unanswered as investigations continue.
