Your report is interesting but not surprising (Half of arrests at Palestine Action ban protest were 60 or over, data shows, 10 August). I felt able to take part in the protest, and get arrested, because I am retired, and so don’t have job prospects which would be put at risk through a criminal record.
The system whereby any criminal conviction, however ethically motivated, puts a person’s entire career at risk holds many people back from taking nonviolent direct action for peace and justice. It’s a major factor in propping up the military-industrial complex that causes so much devastation.
Dr Bob Banks
Grindleford, Derbyshire
• The justice minister, Alex Davies-Jones, said she wanted to thank the police for “their bravery and courage in carrying out their diligent duties” with regard to the arrests at the weekend’s demonstrations. I recognise the value of our police forces, but cannot see much courage or bravery in arresting peaceful 70-year-old ladies.
Nick Hopkinson
Tockwith, North Yorkshire
• With the average age of criminality rapidly rising as a result of Palestine Action arrests, will new profiling mean that I am likely to be stopped and searched in the near future?
Tom Brown (74)
Gore End, Hampshire
• Were I to pray for Palestine Action, would that count as “support”?
Martin Grundy
Newcastle upon Tyne
• Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
