Twickenham vandalised with ‘Free Gaza’ messages in protest against RFU

Twickenham had hosted an arms exhibition where an Israeli state-owned arms manufacturer had been in attendance

Twickenham Stadium has been vandalised with red paint and “Free Gaza” messages in a pro-Palestine protest against an arms exhibition at the rugby venue.
Palestine Action have claimed responsibility for the “blood red” graffiti in opposition to Defence IQ’s ‘International Armoured Vehicles’ event.
Event itinerary details how the “resurgence of heavy armour and large scale combat operations” is being discussed during a three-day summit.
Palestine Action have taken issue with “the world’s premier international meeting ground for all elements of the armoured community”, claiming representatives of Israel’s weapons trade will be present.
The nation’s largest weapons company, Elbit Systems Ltd, along with representatives of its British subsidiary Elbit Systems UK and the Israeli state-owned arms manufacturer, Rafael, are among attendees, the group said.
Protesters have risked arrest by spraying walls outside the stadium in red paint on Monday, including around the connected Virgin Active gym.
Defending its stunt, Palestine Action said: “During the current onslaught on Gaza, which has thus far martyred over 25,000 Palestinians, Elbit Systems’ CEO described the company as playing a crucial role in the genocide, which received gratitude for this by the Israeli military… Palestine Action has, for over three years, worked to prevent manufacture at these premises and to disrupt Elbit’s appearances and marketing wherever possible – including at high-security weapons fairs such as this. Twickenham has, therefore, been covered in a blood-red reminder of the Palestinian bloodshed for which their guests of honour are responsible.”
A spokesperson for the group added: “That Israeli arms dealers are invited as guests of honour at a time when their deadly output is on full show in the Gaza genocide should shame all people who enter this abominable event. After developing their weaponry in the Laboratory of Palestine, Elbit and Rafael then sell these technologies on to other regimes. While our governments happily turn a blind eye to this brutality, Palestine Action will continue to work to make sure that Israeli war criminals have nowhere to hide.”
Every year the stadium hosts a conference for various arms. Richmond Palestine Solidarity Campaign had also backed protests in recent weeks.
Scotland Yard is investigating but has yet to make an arrest. The force said in a statement: “Police were called at 01.20hrs on Monday, 22 January to reports of paint being sprayed on Twickenham Stadium. It was reported that four people were seen running away from the scene. There have been no arrests. Enquiries are ongoing.”
Twickenham Stadium and the Rugby Football Union have been approached for comment.
An RFU spokeswoman said: “The Metropolitan Police are investigating after red paint was sprayed on the side of Twickenham Stadium overnight. Enquiries are ongoing.”