In the largest single-day arrest operation in a decade, Metropolitan Police detained 474 people during a Westminster protest against the Palestine Action ban.
The demonstration, organised by Defend Our Juries, saw hundreds gather at Parliament Square, holding handwritten placards reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Of those arrested, 466 were accused of supporting the banned group, five for assaulting police officers, two for public order offences, and one for a racially aggravated offence.
The UK government outlawed Palestine Action in July under the Terrorism Act 2000, making support for it punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The ban followed alleged violent actions and plans for further attacks.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper praised police for their handling of the protest, stating the ban was based on “strong security advice.” Meanwhile, Amnesty International criticised the mass arrests as “deeply concerning” and a threat to free expression.
Footage from the event showed police methodically arresting demonstrators, some of whom refused to leave and were carried away to chants of “shame on you.” Protesters bailed after arrest were banned from attending future events in support of the group.
Many demonstrators declined to speak with media, but some voiced fears over the erosion of protest rights. “If they ban Palestine Action, what other group is next?” one protester asked.
The event took place just days after the first three people were charged under the ban. Organisers claimed over 1,000 people took part, but police disputed the figure.
Public Debate Over Palestine Action Ban Intensifies
Critics, including Amnesty International, say the Palestine Action ban is overly broad and infringes on free speech. The High Court is set to hear a challenge from the group’s co-founder, arguing the ban functions as a gag on legitimate protest.
The government insists the measure narrowly targets a group responsible for serious criminality, pointing to incidents such as the £7m damage to RAF Brize Norton aircraft in June. MPs voted overwhelmingly to proscribe the organisation.
The protest was part of a tense weekend in London, with pro-Palestinian and pro-Israel demonstrations planned on consecutive days.
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