ALWAGHT- UK police detained nine individuals, including six young women, for organizing a meeting on the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Youth Demand, a pro-Palestinian group advocating against UK arms sales to Israel, reported that nine of its members and supporters were arrested within 20 hours. Police raided homes and events linked to the group, including a welcome talk at the Quaker Meeting House in Westminster, where six young women were detained. Three were released, while the others remain in custody, with police citing "conspiracy to cause a public nuisance" as the reason for the arrests.
The group condemned the arrests as an unprecedented level of police repression, accusing UK politicians of enabling Israel's actions in Gaza and silencing dissent. One of the arrested members, actor and musician Ella Grace-Taylor, criticized the government for supporting Israel while suppressing those who protest against the violence. Youth Demand stated that authorities see their activism as a threat due to their strong stance against genocide.
Despite the crackdown, Youth Demand vowed to continue its resistance, announcing plans for mass demonstrations in April. A spokesperson emphasized that only sustained resistance can stop the atrocities in Gaza, calling on young people to unite and disrupt government-backed violence. The group will launch its "month of resistance" on April 1 in London.
