London Police Arrest Over 200 Protesters Supporting Palestine Action Following Government Ban
On Saturday, London’s Metropolitan Police arrested at least 200 people during the largest protest backing Palestine Action since the UK government banned the group last month under anti-terror legislation. The protest took place in Parliament Square, with organizers claiming only a fraction of participants were detained. However, the police stated that anyone visibly supporting Palestine Action at the event was or would be arrested.
The ban followed an incident where Palestine Action activists damaged two aircraft at a southern England air force base, causing around £7 million ($9.3 million) in damage. The UK Home Office accused members of other serious violent attacks as well.
Critics including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Greenpeace have condemned the ban, describing it as an overreach that threatens free speech.
The protest was organized by the group Defend Our Juries, who said unprecedented numbers attended despite the risk of arrest and imprisonment, pledging more actions in September.
Protesters gathered with signs supporting Palestine Action and waved Palestinian flags, some applauding arrested demonstrators and vocally opposing the police.
Since the ban on July 5, several arrests and charges have been made across England, Wales, and Scotland. Supporting or being a member of Palestine Action is now a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Amnesty International UK has urged police to exercise restraint, warning that arresting people for holding supportive placards violates international human rights law.
A legal challenge to the government’s proscription of Palestine Action is scheduled to be heard later this year.
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