Sue Pentel (72) was one of two women detained on suspicion of criminal damage following the incident outside a Barclays Bank branch in Castle Place on Saturday.
The arrest of the Jewish grandmother – who is a high-profile campaigner against Israel’s military action in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack – is now the subject of a Police Ombudsman investigation.
After reviewing footage of the incident, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Ryan Henderson said the action of officers involved have been deemed “lawful and proportionate.”
“There has been considerable public interest in the arrest of two people following a reported criminal damage in Belfast City Centre on 24th May. Both individuals were released from custody on the same day and have been reported to the Public Prosecution Service for criminal damage,” he added.
“I am limited in what I can say about this incident as the matter is now subject to investigation by the Police Ombudsman.
“However, due to the degree of interest in this case, I want to reassure the public that, having reviewed footage of the incident (including from body worn camera,) I am satisfied that our officers acted with courtesy and professionalism. They were reacting to an emergency call from a City Centre business and their actions were lawful and proportionate to the situation they discovered.”
According to reports, the two suspects were arrested after stickers promoting a boycott of the bank were allegedly placed on an ATM.
Police have been criticised following the incident with Ms Pentel stating through her solicitor that she will “robustly contest” any charges that are brought.
ACC Henderson acknowledged the right to freedom of speech and freedom of assembly as fundamental human rights.
“They allow individuals to engage in peaceful protest and are protected in law – we will continue to uphold these rights,” he continued.
“However, they must be balanced with the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime.”
There has been criticism of Barclay’s financial ties with arms companies that sell weapons to Israel with several other branches across the UK previously targeted.
Videos circulating online show Ms Pentel being spoken to at length by PSNI officers as she says “children are dying in Gaza” before being led away to the back of a police vehicle.
Sue Pentel was one of two campaigners arrested on Saturday.
News Catch Up – Monday 26 May
Both suspects were released on Saturday evening and reported to the Public Prosecution Service.
Pádraig O Muirigh, who represents Mrs Pentel said: “Our client has refused to remain silent whilst thousands of innocent children have been killed, and many more thousands are starving as food and medicine is refused entry into Palestine.
“She has committed no offence and should not be criminalised for exercising her right to peaceful protest against these ongoing atrocities.
“Our client will robustly contest any attempt to criminalise her if a decision is made to prosecute. We will also be advising her in relation to the lawfulness of her arrest today.”