Activists arrested after protests at defense contractors

Four activists protesting outside a defense contractor were arrested.

Palestine Action said its members blocked access to two Elbit Systems UK sites in Bristol by locking themselves in a vehicle with equipment.

Police said they were called to two business premises at Aztec West Business Park and Patchway at around 06:45 GMT.

Four people were arrested on suspicion of public order offenses and investigations are ongoing.

Israel-based Elbit Systems is a defense company that supplies equipment to the Israeli army.

Elbit Systems UK said in court earlier this year that it did not supply Israel with weapons and was separate from Elbit Systems.

Elbit Systems UK told the BBC: “We are proud to provide crucial support and advanced technology to the UK Armed Forces from our bases in Bristol, and this work continues uninterrupted to this day.”

“Any claims that these facilities supply the Israeli military or the Israeli Ministry of Defense are completely false.”

Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the protests on social media.

Avon and Somerset Police said there were two people in a vehicle blocking an entrance at each location.

“They had used equipment to lock or secure themselves in the vehicle,” they said.

“Officers visited both locations and engaged with the protesters. Special officers were then deployed to safely rescue them.”

It continued: “We are committed to facilitating people’s right to lawful protest, but we have a duty to balance these rights with those of other members of the public who have the right to go about their lives without interference. “