LONDON: Pro-Palestine protesters in the UK who allegedly disrupted the production of a Gal Gadot movie have been ordered by a court to avoid film-shooting locations, The Times reported on Thursday.
The eight demonstrators were charged under trade union laws over their alleged disruption of “The Runner,” which features the Israeli actress, who served in the Israel Defense Forces.
At locations in London and outside the capital, protesters allegedly disrupted shooting over several days in May.
The eight individuals were charged under the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992, and behaved “with a view to compelling another person to abstain from filming, which that person had a legal right to do.”
The act, originally designed to combat pickets during strikes, bans the obstruction of access to a workplace.
On Thursday, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard that all the cases relating to the eight protesters were adjourned until Nov. 18.
All were released on bail on condition that they avoid entering an area within 200 meters of filming for Gadot’s movie.
Demonstrations against her have featured protesters wearing Palestinian keffiyehs in the capital holding placards saying “trash Gadot not welcome in London” and “stop starving Gaza.” Amid the protests against her, she reportedly considered leaving London.
In Los Angeles in May, Gadot’s name was engraved in a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. It was later defaced by graffiti.
Katie McFadden, a solicitor with Hodge Jones & Allen, which is representing four of the alleged protesters, said: “My clients are alleged to have peacefully protested, in a public place, against a film production involving Gal Gadot.
“At all times, they acted entirely in accordance with their rights to freedom of assembly and expression, which are protected by UK law.
“We are disappointed that they have been charged with criminal offences and believe this is a disproportionate, unnecessary and unlawful interference with their rights. We will be defending these charges wholeheartedly.”
