Over 50 arrested at London protest backing banned group Palestine Action
Police report they have made over 50 arrests so far at a demonstration in London supporting the banned group Palestine Action.
Over 100 individuals simultaneously revealed handwritten signs with the same message, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action," at the protest, organized by Defend Our Juries at Westminster’s Parliament Square.
The government labeled Palestine Action as a banned group in July under the Terrorism Act of 2000, making it a criminal offense to be a member of or support the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
While the protest was still taking place, the Metropolitan Police stated: "It will take time, but we will arrest anyone expressing support for Palestine Action."
Footage from the square showed officers moving among the protesters, who were mostly seated on the ground, and speaking to them before escorting them away.
On X, the Met Police released a statement indicating that a "significant number of people are displaying placards expressing support for Palestine Action."
"Officers have moved in and are making arrests."
The protest follows just days after the first three individuals charged with supporting the group in England and Wales were identified.
In announcing the protest, Defend Our Juries stated: "Together, in numbers, we will stand against UK complicity in Israel’s genocide."
In addition to the protest by Palestine Action, two marches are planned by the Palestine Coalition and the pro-Israeli group Stop the Hate, set to occur on consecutive days in central London.
The Metropolitan Police stated it had called in officers from other forces to help form a "significant policing presence" in the capital as it anticipates a busy weekend.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan cautioned that officers would be prepared to arrest anyone showing support for Palestine Action and urged people to "consider the seriousness of that outcome."
More than 200 people have been arrested across the country for similar reasons since the ban was implemented by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper last month.
Last week, two women and a man were also charged with showing support for a proscribed terror group. They are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 September, the Metropolitan Police said.
At the end of July, the High Court ruled that Palestine Action would be able to challenge its proscription.
Lawyers for the group’s co-founder Huda Ammori have argued that the ban breaches the right to free speech and has acted like a gag on legitimate protest. The government says the ban is justified because it narrowly targets a group that has been organising serious criminality.
MPs voted to proscribe the group after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in June, spraying two Voyager aircraft with red paint and causing £7m worth of damage. Palestine Action took responsibility for the incident at the time.
A Home Office spokesperson said the decision to proscribe the group was based on "strong security advice" following "serious attacks the group had committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage".
Technology & Business Editor
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