Scotland Yard has arrested five pro-Palestine protesters who attempted to disrupt the production of a film starring the Israeli actress Gal Gadot.
In recent weeks, London locations of The Runner have been targeted by activists who have criticised the casting of Gadot, a supporter of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, as the film’s lead.
She plays a London-based lawyer whose son is abducted and is forced to obey cryptic commands issued by his kidnapper.
The Metropolitan Police said the protesters had targeted the film solely because of Gadot’s nationality.
At previous demonstrations, the activists waved Palestinian flags and displayed a red banner with “Stop Starving Gaza” written on it in white letters. Others clanged saucepan lids on Waterloo Bridge while shouting through megaphones: “Gal Gadot, shame on you.”
Gadot, who served in the Israel Defense Forces, has not publicly commented on the protests.
‘We will not tolerate harassment’
On Wednesday, officers were deployed to a filming location to identify suspects wanted in connection with offences at earlier protests, and to deal with any new offences.
In a statement, the force said the protesters were arrested for harassment and offences under Section 241 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations Act, which deals with wrongfully and unlawfully obstructing access to a workplace.
Two of the arrests relate to incidents at previous protests, while three relate to offences that took place on Wednesday. All five suspects remain in custody.
Supt Neil Holyoak, who led the operation, said: “While we absolutely acknowledge the importance of peaceful protest, we have a duty to intervene where it crosses the line into serious disruption or criminality.
“We have been in discussions with the production company to understand the impact of the protests on their work and on any individuals involved.
“I hope today’s operation shows we will not tolerate the harassment of or unlawful interference with those trying to go about their legitimate professional work in London.”