A vocalist from the English musical group Massive Attack, Robert Del Naja, was taken into custody in Liverpool on Saturday following participation in a protest against the ongoing situation in Gaza.
Del Naja was among demonstrators who gathered to denounce the UK government’s prohibition of the activist organization Palestine Action. The protest took place ahead of the first Labour Party conference held under the leadership of newly appointed Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
According to reports, the crowd had convened to urge the British government to halt its military support and arms supplies to Israel.
Liverpool has a long history of activism. It makes sense that this movement would have strong local roots.
I wonder if this arrest will spark more support for Palestine Action or just further alienate the public.
Massive Attack has always had political lyrics, but this is a new level of engagement for Del Naja.
Arrested at a protest? That seems like a heavy-handed response from the police. Was there any violence reported?
I didn’t expect a musician of his caliber to be so directly involved in street protests. Interesting choice.