PALESTINE ACTION has accused the police of “harassment and intimidation” after the group’s co-founder was arrested outside his north London home on Wednesday “for blackmail.”  

Officers arrested Richard Barnard after raiding his home and that of another co-founder of the direct-action group Huda Ammori, seizing their passports. 

Following the arrest Ms Ammori said: “The only thing we can assume this is about is [Palestine Action] demanding that companies do not associate with war criminals, and if they do we will take action. 

“This is not blackmail. This is asking for companies to abide by international law and human rights conventions.”

Activists protested yesterday outside Fresh Wharf Custody Base in Barking, where Mr Barnard is being held, against “an escalating pattern of police harassment and intimidation against human rights activists.” 

Police have previously stopped the pair under counter-terrorism laws over their campaign against Elbit sites in Britain. 

The group has repeatedly targeted Elbit’s landlord LaSalle Investment Management, and vowed to take action if the property firm refuses to evict the weapons manufacturer.

The Metropolitan Police has been approached for comment.