Activists have long protested against Elbit Systems due to their links to Israel’s war on Gaza [Getty]
Pro-Palestine protesters in the UK city of Leicester broke through the roof and abseiled down into a factory owned by Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems on Friday.
The activists, who are part of a group called “People Against Genocide”, could be seen in footage drilling holes into the factory roof before abseiling down into the building.
The group used electric saws to enter the UAV Tactical Systems factory, located in the Braunstone area.
Members of the group are protesting Israel’s brutal war on Gaza by targeting those who manufacture and sell arms used to kill Palestinians. The People Against Genocide organisation states that its aim is “taking direct action to stop the UK-Israel weapons trade”.
The activists filmed themselves and posted the footage on social media, where they can be seen pulling sheets back and exposing parts of the factory.
On the roof, the activists spray painted “Intifada Revolution” and added another banner reading: “Free Palestine”.
Another poster read “Shut Elbit Down”, while some of the activists reportedly smashed equipment in the factory, while they were hanging from the ropes.
One of the activists, who has not been named, told reporters that the protest came due to ongoing frustration with the UK government’s ongoing support for Israel amid its genocide in Gaza.
“We are sick and tired of our government’s collaboration in this genocide that Israel is committing on the Palestinian people,” the activist said.
“We know that genocide has no place in this world – so that’s why we’re here to shut Elbit down,” the activist continued.
Leicestershire Police officers were called at 3.10 AM after a van was reported to have driven through the building gates.
At least six people have been arrested, including a 41-year-old man, who was detained on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
A 28-year-old man was also detained on suspicion of causing criminal damage and assaulting an emergency worker.
Two men and two women were also arrested on suspicion of causing criminal damage and committing burglary.
“Police continue to support the right to peacefully protest but we will also continue to take immediate action where reports of anyone seeking to commit crime or damage to property are made,” a statement from Leicestershire Police said.
Counter terrorism police are now also leading an investigation, supported by Leicestershire Police.
The arrests come as Israel continues to launch deadly attacks on Gaza, despite a 10 October ceasefire deal. At least 984 people have been killed in the devastated territory since then.
Elbit Systems provides around 85 percent of Israel’s drones and land-based military equipment.
Protests against the company have been ongoing for years, and escalated amid the war on Gaza.
