A man was arrested early Sunday after climbing Big Ben at the Palace of Westminster in central London while holding a Palestinian flag. The incident, which lasted for several hours, resulted in road closures and heightened security around the UK Parliament building.
The protester climbed the iconic clock tower barefoot and remained perched on the structure for hours before eventually coming down shortly after midnight following extended negotiations with police. He was escorted to a waiting ambulance without any reported injuries.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that the man was arrested at the scene. “This was a prolonged incident due to the location of the individual and the need to ensure the safety of the public, our officers, and the protester,” police stated in an official release.
Authorities quickly responded to the situation by closing Westminster Bridge and nearby streets for most of the day. Pedestrian access to Parliament Square was also restricted as emergency vehicles and security personnel gathered at the scene. A small group of protesters gathered nearby, chanting “Free Palestine” behind a security cordon.
The protest drew the attention of onlookers and passersby, who gathered outside the restricted area to watch the unfolding situation. Some tourists and local residents expressed surprise and concern over the high-profile demonstration at one of London’s most famous landmarks.
Due to the incident, public tours of the Houses of Parliament were canceled for the day, causing disruption for visitors. Police maintained a strong presence in the area to prevent further disturbances and to manage the crowd that had formed.
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The identity of the protester has not yet been revealed, and it remains unclear what charges he may face. The Metropolitan Police stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the protest and any potential security breaches involved.
Political and security analysts have noted the symbolic nature of the protest, highlighting the ongoing tensions and global attention surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict. Demonstrations in support of Palestine have increased in frequency in recent months, reflecting growing public concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank.
The Palace of Westminster, home to the UK’s Parliament, is a heavily guarded site with strict security measures. The ability of the protester to scale Big Ben raises questions about existing security protocols and how such a breach was possible.
The incident concluded without injuries or damage to the historic structure, but it has prompted renewed discussions about the security of key government sites and the potential for political protests to disrupt public order.
Officials have not yet provided further details on the protester’s motives or the specific charges he may face. The police have assured the public that security measures are being reviewed to prevent similar incidents in the future.
This article is originally published on lactualite.com
