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London Police Conduct Raid at Quaker Meeting House, Arresting Six
In London, police conducted a raid on a Quaker meeting house Thursday, leading to the apprehension of six women. The arrests occurred during a gathering focused on discussions concerning climate change and the conflict in Gaza, Quakers UK reported in a statement.
Quakers Express Concern Over Meeting House Raid
Paul Parker, the recording clerk for Quakers in Britain, stated that the incident is unprecedented in recent memory. “No arrests have occurred within a Quaker meeting house in living memory,” Parker asserted, according to the official statement.
“Aggressive Violation” of Place of Worship, Says Quaker Representative
Parker further condemned the police action, describing it as an excessive intrusion. “This aggressive violation of our place of worship and the forceful removal of young people holding a protest group meeting clearly demonstrates the ramifications of a society that criminalizes protest,” he added.
Metropolitan Police Contacted for Response
CNN has sought comments from London’s Metropolitan Police regarding the reported raid and arrests at the Quaker meeting house.
Background on the Religious Society of Friends
Quakers, also known as members of the Religious Society of Friends, adhere to a religious tradition originating from Protestant Christianity in 17th-century England.
Quaker Tradition of Protest and Non-Violence
The Quaker faith has a history of supporting protest movements, with non-violence serving as a central tenet of their beliefs.
Developing News Story
This is a developing story and further updates will be provided as they become available.