PROTESTERS gathered today in support of six Palestine rights activists arrested under the Terrorism Act after targeting a factory manufacturing weapons for Israel.

In the dramatic action on Tuesday, volunteers from Palestine Action used a modified prison van to smash through the perimeter fence of Israeli-owned Elbit Systems research and development factory at Filton in Bristol.

Inside the factory, they used sledgehammers to wreck machinery.

Avon and Somerset Police arrested six activists.

Palestine Action said the six are being held at Hammersmith and Newbury police stations.

Today’s protest in their support took place outside Hammersmith police station.

Palestine Action accused police of using “unprecedented powers” under the Terrorism Act to arrest the six. The group released a photo of the six but did not name them.

The group also accused police of issuing “smear” statements accusing the activists of assault.

Palestine Action said in a statement: “Actionists are being detained under the Terrorism Act, allowing the police to hold them for up to seven days, with possible extension to 14 days, without charge.

“As well as detaining them under unprecedented powers, police have launched a smear campaign against the detained actionists, alleging violence against police and security guards.

“The activists are unable to respond to these claims, and unable to describe for public record the force used against them by police and private security.

“Palestine Action contends that these statements are designed to prejudice opinion and legal proceedings against activists, and to lay the groundwork for the police’s unjust use of authoritarian powers.”

The Morning Star asked Avon and Somerset Police to comment on the use of the Terrorism Act to arrest the activists and was told that inquiries would be made.

Palestine Action was launched three years ago with the aim of disrupting production of arms for Israel in British factories.

Elbit Systems is Israel’s biggest arms manufacturer. It has four factories in Britain, producing weapons which include military drones and pilotless aircraft.

A fifth factory at Oldham in Greater Manchester was shut permanently in February last year following a campaign of occupations by Palestine Action and protests and blockades by Palestine support groups from Greater Manchester.