PSNI Defends Arrests at Belfast Palestine Protest

Two women, including 72-year-old Jewish campaigner Sue Pentel, were arrested by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on suspicion of criminal damage after allegedly placing boycott stickers on an ATM during a pro-Palestine protest outside Barclays Bank in central Belfast. The PSNI defended the arrests as 'lawful and proportionate,' citing body-camera footage and an emergency bank call, but the incident is now under investigation by the Police Ombudsman. The arrests led to public outcry and further protests, with politicians and activists condemning the police response and voicing support for the right to peaceful protest. Critics highlighted Barclays’ financial ties to arms manufacturers supplying Israel as the protest's motivation. Both women were released the same day and reported to the Public Prosecution Service, with Pentel planning to contest any charges. The PSNI emphasized balancing freedom of speech with law enforcement.