Direct action group claims to have daubed buildings owned by a property company which leases a London office to Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems
November 26, 2020 10:55
ByAleks Phillips, aleks phillips
Police are investigating after activist group Palestine Action encouraged its supporters to “cause sustained disruption, chaos and damage” to buildings owned by a property company which leases a London office to Israeli defence firm Elbit Systems.
Palestine Action provided its activists with a list of properties across the UK to target, as well as a link to buy a “Shut Elbit Down spray pack”.
The activist group claimed on its website that action was being taken against LaSalle Investment Management (LIM) because it had “failed to respond to Palestine Action’s requests to terminate their contract with Elbit Systems and kick them out of their offices” in Kingsway, Holborn.
In a letter to Jewish Human Rights Watch director Robert Festenstein, seen by the JC, district superintendent of Greater Manchester Police Rick Jackson said the direct action being sought amounted to “threats to commit criminal damage”, which was “concerning”.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said it “recognises the concerns raised and are working closely with partners to ensure concerns are fully investigated.
“An investigation is currently underway to establish the full circumstances.”
Palestine Action had not responded to a request for comment by the time this article had been published.
Social media posts claimed that two of LIM’s properties — in Finsbury Park and the City of London — had already been daubed with red paint and sprayed with the Palestine Action logo.
A spokesperson for City of London police said they were currently investigating an incident of criminal damage to a building on London Wall with the Metropolitan police.
“This appears to be a targeted attack against the building owners and our Criminal Investigation Department is examining CCTV material to identify the individuals involved,” they added.
The Met police could not find any record of an incident taking place at the Finsbury Park premises and it is not known whether any daubings were carried out with the group’s blessing.
A spokesperson for LIM told the JC: “We are aware of the numerous incidents which have occurred at One Curzon Street and 77 Kingsway over the last few months, and at 60 London Wall on 21 November.
“These incidents have been referred to the police for further action and we cannot comment any further.”
In a letter to Home Secretary Priti Patel, Mr Festenstein — who is also a solicitor — said that it “is appalling that such a group is encouraging violent criminal acts […] openly on the internet.
“I urge you please to take immediate action to close the website down and investigate those responsible”.
A Home Office spokesperson said: “This criminal damage is completely unacceptable and the Government wholeheartedly supports the police in any action they deem appropriate. The Home Secretary will respond to the letter in due course.”