Christian Aid has expressed deep concern after six young people were arrested during a police raid at a Quaker Meeting House in Westminster last week, warning the incident could discourage peaceful protest among young campaigners.
The arrests took place on 27th March at the Westminster Quaker Meeting House, which had been made available as a safe space for individuals involved in peaceful action.
Jennifer Larbie, Head of UK Advocacy and Campaigns at Christian Aid, said the organisation stands in solidarity with those “committed to peaceful, nonviolent action towards global justice".
“Christian Aid is very concerned over the police raid and arrest of six young people in Westminster Quaker Meeting House last week,” she said.
“Like many faith communities, Westminster Quakers offered their spiritual home as a safe space for those working for peace – a simple act of hope in a broken world.
“The raid is a worrying sign of the criminalisation of protest in the UK and sends a chilling message to young people who want to use their voice to demand change for good.”
The charity, which is the official relief, development and advocacy agency of more than 40 churches in Britain and Ireland, including the Quakers, said the event highlights growing pressure on the right to protest.
Christian Aid, which works globally to address poverty and injustice, has long advocated for peaceful civic engagement as a vital part of efforts to achieve social and climate justice.
The Metropolitan Police have not yet publicly commented on the circumstances of the raid.