Southsea man arrested and charged for blockade at Iran war protest at RAF base in Suffolk

Yvan Cormier-Scott of Elphinstone Road was arrested at the protest outside Lakenheath airbase which began on Saturday, April 4. The protest took place following reports from some media outlets that a US fighter jet shot down in Iran on Friday had taken off from the Lakenheath base.

Police have also confirmed that they have made seven further arrest today (April 5) at the peace encampment outside the main gate, police said. Seven people were arrested on suspicion of supporting banned group Palestine Action.

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In a statement, Lakenheath Alliance For Peace said the arrests were made after retired colonel Chris Romberg made a speech to protesters.

Suffolk Police said: “Police have arrested seven people, five men and two women, in Lakenheath on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organisation. They have been taken to Bury St Edmunds Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

“Suffolk Police has a duty to enforce the law without fear or favour and as it currently stands, not as it might be in the future. As such, where offences are believed to have occurred appropriate action will be taken.”

The High Court ruled the proscription of Palestine Action was unlawful in February, but also granted the Home Office leave to appeal against the decision, leaving the proscription in place pending the outcome of the appeal.

Cormier-Scott was one of two additional people confirmed by Suffolk Police to have been charged over the blockade at the base. Michelle Macdonagh of Springhill, Stroud, Gloucestershire, was also charged with the same offence but was also charged with obstructing a police officer.

Cormier-Scott has been bailed to appear at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court on May 22.

So far nine people have been arrested at the protest.