Sarah Wilkinson, a well-known pro-Palestine activist, was arrested by UK counter-terrorism police on August 29 after a raid on her home, allegedly over online content related to the October 7 attack on Israel. Police seized her electronic devices during the early-morning raid, which involved 12 officers, some in plain clothes.
Wilkinson, 61, has long been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. After visiting Palestine, she dedicated her life to activism, including her involvement with the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which aims to deliver humanitarian aid directly to Palestinians.
Her arrest has sparked a significant social media outcry, with the hashtag #FreeSarahWilkinsonNOW gaining traction. Journalist Jonathan Cook criticized the arrest as part of an “Orwellian reality,” while Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters condemned the action, calling it an attack on human rights activism.
Wilkinson was later released on bail and returned home. There has been no official statement from UK police regarding the reasons for her arrest or her detention.
On the same day, Richard Barnard, co-founder of the direct action group Palestine Action, was also targeted by UK authorities. Barnard faces charges under the Terrorism Act (2000) for supporting a proscribed organisation and encouraging criminal activity, after making speeches related to Palestine.
Palestine Action, known for its disruptive protests against companies linked to the Israeli arms trade, continues to be under scrutiny for its actions.
This series of arrests highlights growing tensions over freedom of expression and the political activism surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the UK.
