Cumbrians arrested at Lancaster Castle Palestine Action protest

The activists - from Kendal, Staveley, Killington and Penrith - were among 26 people to be arrested outside Lancaster Castle on Saturday under anti-terrorism legislation.

The campaigners held signs reading 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action' - a group which has been listed as a proscribed terrorist organisation by the Government.

A judicial review at the High Court is currently being undertaken to determine whether the ban on Palestine Action, which came about as a result of millions of pounds worth of damage to defence firms, will continue.

Bel Lloyd, from Penrith, said: "The proscription of Palestine Action has had a chilling effect on democracy in this country - peaceful protesters, legitimately campaigning to lift the ban, are being criminalised.

"It's my belief that the judicial review will find the proscription illegal.

"It is most certainly immoral and has prevented many people undertaking our legal and moral duty to stop genocide."

Since the ban, more than 2,200 people have been arrested nationwide for taking part in similar protests.

Anne Haywood, of Staveley, commented: "I am doing this to protect the right to protest against genocide."

The latest wave of actions also coincides with the Prisoners for Palestine rolling hunger strike, launched on November 2, with six prisoners so far refusing food in protest against prolonged imprisonment without trial.

A spokesperson for Defend our Juries added: "When the history books are written, we know who will be seen as the real criminals.

"Just like the trial of the Pendle Witches in Lancaster Castle 400 years ago, and the Birmingham Six 50 years ago, we will also look back on the persecution of Palestine Action, and the people who support their actions, as oppressive and unjust."