London police arrest dozens at prison protest backing hunger striker

Police in London arrested 86 people after a protest at HMP Wormwood Scrubs in west London, where demonstrators gathered to demand the release of prisoners associated with Palestine Action and to highlight the case of activist Muhammad Umer Khalid, who supporters say has been on hunger strike.

Authorities said the arrests were connected to allegations that protesters breached prison grounds, including entering or moving through areas used for staff access. Police statements described the response as necessary to prevent disorder and to protect prison operations, while insisting that overall security at the facility was not compromised during the demonstration.

The protest added to a broader wave of U.K. demonstrations over Gaza-related issues, policing tactics, and the legal treatment of activist groups. Organizers have argued that the arrests reflect overly aggressive enforcement and are aimed at discouraging public protest, especially when demonstrations are staged at sensitive sites such as courts, government buildings, or prisons.

The Ministry of Justice condemned the alleged trespassing and emphasized that threats toward staff or officers are taken seriously. Officials also noted that prisoners who refuse food are monitored, with medical checks and hospital transfers available when warranted. Rights groups have long debated the adequacy of health safeguards during hunger strikes, and how authorities balance prisoner autonomy against duties of care.

Supporters of Khalid and other detainees have been using public rallies, social media campaigns, and letter-writing drives to pressure the government. They contend that the prosecutions and restrictions surrounding Palestine Action amount to political repression; government officials and some commentators counter that the movement’s activities can cross legal lines and risk public safety or property damage.

With tensions high, legal advocates urged calm and called for transparent handling of both the arrests and any allegations of threats or disorder. The incident is likely to fuel renewed scrutiny of protest policing in the U.K., particularly when demonstrations involve contentious foreign-policy issues and highly polarized domestic debate.