More than 425 people were arrested during a protest in London on Saturday opposing the UK government's decision to outlaw the campaign group Palestine Action.
Demonstrators assembled in Parliament Square, many holding placards reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” The protest was organised by the group Defend Our Juries.
The Metropolitan Police said the majority of arrests were made for supporting a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. Over 25 individuals were also arrested for assaulting officers and other public order offences.
Palestine Action was banned in July, making it a criminal offence to support or be affiliated with the group — a charge that carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
Police reported officers were subjected to “an exceptional level of abuse,” including being punched, kicked, spat at, and targeted with thrown objects. The force said there was a coordinated attempt to obstruct officers, warning that anyone attacking police would be prosecuted fully.
Defend Our Juries accused the police of using force against peaceful protesters, including elderly participants. The group shared a video of an officer shoving an elderly person to the ground, and criticised the arrests as a misuse of resources.
The protest began at 13:00 local time, with many older demonstrators writing pro-Palestine Action messages on signs. Shortly after, police began arresting individuals holding such signs. Protesters were encouraged by organisers to go limp to make arrests more difficult.
Crowds chanted “shame on you” at police officers, who made arrests between the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Millicent Fawcett before transporting detainees to Millbank.
Among those arrested was 79-year-old Margaret from Dorset, who called the ban “ridiculous” and said, “We’re called terrorists, and it’s absolutely stupid.” Activist Jonathon Porritt also joined the protest, denouncing the government’s “direct complicity” in the war in Gaza.
Amnesty International said it was “genuinely shocking” to see peaceful demonstrators arrested under terrorism laws.
Police Scotland also reported two arrests during a similar protest in Edinburgh.
Source: BBC
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