Massive Attack, Robert Del Naja arrested

The frontman of Massive Attack, Robert Del Najawas arrested yesterday, Saturday 11 April, in London on charges of showing support for a banned organisation. The arrest took place in Trafalgar Square during a mass demonstration organized by the group Palestine Actionclassified by the British government as a terrorist organization last year.

Del Naja was picked up by the police while participating in the protest against the ban imposed on Palestine Action. In a video circulating on social media, the musician can be seen lying on the ground while three Metropolitan Police officers lift him by his legs and arms to take him away. When asked by a passer-by why he was arrested, Del Naja replied: “I am arrested illegally“.

Del Naja’s words before the arrest:

We must use these moments to protest, otherwise the democratic country we live in no longer represents anything.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed they arrested a total of 212 people on Saturday. The charges for all those arrested concern suspicion of supporting a prohibited organization. Authorities had previously warned that the demonstration would not be considered a “legitimate protest” but a criminal act due to the ban targeting the organizing group.

A spokesperson for Defend Our Juriesa group that supports the right to protest, commented on the incident by saying: “This issue affects everyone. From striking workers to peaceful protesters, anyone fighting for a cause is at risk. If we don’t fight back, illegally banning a direct action group will lead to the removal of everyone’s rights and freedoms.”

Del Naja, also known as 3D, has long been a activist committed to political and environmental issues.