Courage and the Palestine Action arrests

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/11/courage-and-the-palestine-action-arrests

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Readers respond to a news report that said half of the 532 people arrested in a London protest were aged 60 or over

Your report is interesting but not surprising (Half of arrests at Palestine Action ban protest were 60 or over, data shows, 10 August). I felt able to take part in the protest, and get arrested, because I am retired, and so don’t have job prospects which would be put at risk through a criminal record.

The system whereby any criminal conviction, however ethically motivated, puts a person’s entire career at risk holds many people back from taking nonviolent direct action for peace and justice. It’s a major factor in propping up the military-industrial complex that causes so much devastation.Dr Bob BanksGrindleford, Derbyshire

The justice minister, Alex Davies-Jones, said she wanted to thank the police for “their bravery and courage in carrying out their diligent duties” with regard to the arrests at the weekend’s demonstrations. I recognise the value of our police forces, but cannot see much courage or bravery in arresting peaceful 70-year-old ladies.Nick HopkinsonTockwith, North Yorkshire

With the average age of criminality rapidly rising as a result of Palestine Action arrests, will new profiling mean that I am likely to be stopped and searched in the near future?Tom Brown (74)Gore End, Hampshire

Were I to pray for Palestine Action, would that count as “support”?Martin GrundyNewcastle upon Tyne

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