In a bold move, police in the UK have arrested three activists linked to the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, using counterterrorism laws typically reserved for serious threats like jihadist and extremist violence. This action follows an incident on June 20 where members of the group allegedly broke into Brize Norton, the UK's largest Royal Air Force base, and vandalized military planes with red paint.

The arrests, which include a 29-year-old woman and two men aged 36 and 24, were made under a 2000 law that allows extended detention for individuals suspected of terrorist activities. Additionally, a 41-year-old woman was arrested for allegedly aiding the offenders. The group's recent activities have raised alarms, prompting the government to consider banning Palestine Action altogether.

This isn’t the first time the group has made headlines; they have previously targeted military facilities, particularly those associated with Israeli defense companies. In March, they gained attention for vandalizing Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, leading to Trump branding them "terrorists."

The use of counterterrorism laws for such acts of vandalism has stirred controversy and discussions on free speech and protest rights in the UK.