Four pro-Palestine demonstrators were detained and six police officers sustained injuries—two requiring hospital care—during tumultuous confrontations outside a Scottish facility today. Law enforcement responded following a protest at the Thales location in the Govan district of Glasgow.
Protestors arrived at the site around 5 am today, blocking the Linthouse Road entrance after converging within the property’s confines.
It is alleged that Thales supplies components for the Watchkeeper drone, utilized by the Israeli military, developed jointly with Israel’s Elbit Systems.
Police Scotland has verified that six officers suffered injuries during the disturbances—one was bitten on the arm—and four individuals were detained.
Two officers were treated at Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in the city; one remained for additional evaluation while the other was released post-treatment.
During the protest, three men and a woman were apprehended and charged. The men, aged 18, 28, and 29, along with the woman, aged 21, were granted conditional release to appear in court later.
Chief Inspector Derrick Johnston stated: “We are legally obligated to safeguard the rights of individuals aiming to protest peacefully and those impacted by such activities. Nevertheless, today’s protest was marred by excessive hostility and opposition.
“An officer was bitten. Assaults are unacceptable and will be addressed sternly, as demonstrated by the prompt arrest of the assailant.
“Our policing strategy for protests prioritizes the safety of protesters, the public, and officers, alongside preventing unlawful acts and defusing conflicts.
“We uphold the right to protest, yet when protests escalate beyond peaceful expressions, officers must enforce law and order, utilizing arrest powers when required.”
Video footage captured officers managing the gathered crowd after protesters displayed banners at the facility’s entrance.
Images from the site illustrated the clashes, intensifying tensions, with one showing an officer seemingly dragging a protester away from a police vehicle.
Another photo captured a man in a green shirt being restrained by an officer, and additional images showed multiple officers struggling with an individual on the ground near a police van.
The protest coincided with the 76th anniversary of the Nakba, marking the displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 conflict that led to Israel’s establishment. Signs were displayed by protesters, one stating: “Stop arming Israel.”
A Thales representative commented: “Thales takes great pride in its contributions to the UK’s defense and the safety of our armed forces. Concerning exports, Thales complies with the UK Government’s stringent and transparent industry control system for international sales.
“While we recognize the right to peaceful protest outside our Glasgow facility, we will cooperate with the authorities to prosecute any threats against our staff, property, or our significant role in supporting the UK armed forces.”
