Met Police Raid Quaker Meeting House During Teen Protest on Gaza and Climate Issues

The Quaker meeting house on St Martin’s Lane in London, a Grade II-listed building with a long history of social justice advocacy, became the site of a controversial police raid. Six young women, including 18-year-old Zahra Ali, were arrested during a gathering that had begun as a discussion on the climate crisis and the war in Gaza. The meeting, which included tea, biscuits, and vegan cheese straws, was interrupted when up to 30 Metropolitan police officers, some armed with stun guns, forced entry by kicking down the door.

The operation, described as “intelligence-led,” targeted the protest group Youth Demand. The women were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to cause a public nuisance. Five remain under investigation. The raid has drawn criticism from religious groups, politicians, and activists, with concerns raised about the severity of the response in a place of worship.

Zahra Ali, one of the arrested, described the experience as traumatic. She was held in a cell for 17 hours and was “rear stacked,” with her hands cuffed behind her back and held against the wall for an hour. Phones and laptops were seized as evidence. Ali was not allowed a personal call and was not permitted to speak to her solicitor until after several hours.

The incident has sparked broader questions about the use of force by the Metropolitan police and the treatment of individuals during arrests. Religious groups, including the Quakers, have expressed concern over the raid, highlighting the tension between law enforcement actions and the principles of justice and mercy.

The Quakers, known for their commitment to peace and social justice, have a long history of advocating for the vulnerable and opposing violence. The raid on their meeting house has raised concerns about the intersection of public protest and police response, particularly in spaces traditionally associated with community and reflection. The event underscores the ongoing challenges in balancing security with the rights of individuals and the protection of peaceful assembly.

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