Arms protesters arrested under anti-terror laws

Police in London made 16 arrests Tuesday around the Defense Systems and Equipment International (DSEI) show, a major display of high-tech weaponry from world arms manufacturers that attracts thousands of possible buyers.

Three people were arrested for criminal damage after they threw red paint at a walkway and others were held for obstructing a highway, police said.

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"When appropriate some officers used sections 44-1 and 44-2 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to make some arrests," a Scotland Yard police spokesman said.

A total of 67 people have been arrested in the run-up to the DSEI, which anti-arms trade protesters have targeted with marches and blockades.

Civil rights group Liberty said it would head to court to challenge the police decision to arrest demonstrators under anti-terror laws.

"Liberty is seeking a judicial review of the decision by police to use anti-terrorist legislation against protesters currently picketing the arms fair," the group said in a statement.

"(They) are legitimate demonstrators and it is quite shocking they are being treated as potential terrorists," it added.

The DSEI is a showcase of all aspects of land, sea and air equipment and runs in London's Docklands area until September 12.

Arms trade protesters were particularly incensed that countries condemned by Amnesty International for human rights abuses, including Syria, Saudi Arabia and several African countries, were invited to the show.