55 Arrested: Palestine Action March in London
55 Arrested in London as Protests Erupt Over Palestine action Ban
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London, UK - Fifty-five individuals where arrested in London on Saturday during protests supporting the proscribed group Palestine Action, with similar demonstrations occurring across the UK. The arrests, primarily in Parliament Square, highlight escalating tensions surrounding the government’s decision to ban the activist group under anti-terrorism legislation.
Nationwide Demonstrations and Arrests
Protests coordinated by the “Defend Our Juries” campaign took place in multiple cities, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Truro. In London’s Parliament Square, near the Mahatma gandhi statue, protesters displayed placards bearing the message “I oppose genocide I support Palestine action.” These demonstrations were met with a significant police presence, leading to the confiscation of placards and searches of those arrested. Reports indicate some protesters were carried away by officers, while others were led away in handcuffs.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 55 arrests were made in Parliament Square under Section 13 of the Terrorism act 2000, specifically for displaying placards in support of Palestine Action.
In Cornwall, eight people were arrested near Truro Cathedral.Devon and Cornwall Police stated that approximately 30 individuals participated in what they described as a “peaceful” Defend Our Juries demonstration. The force reported that despite police advice, a number of placards deemed contrary to the law remained on display. The eight individuals, comprising two men and six women, were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 and remain in police custody.
Calls for De-Proscription and Freedom of Speech Concerns
Protesters voiced strong opposition to the ban on Palestine Action, with one woman detained in Parliament square stating, “we demand that Palestine Action is de-proscribed. Our government is not only arming a genocide,they are using terrorism laws to silence people who speak out. Palestine Action are campaigning for peace. They are dismantling weapons factories.”
Another protester, being escorted away by police in London, lamented, “Freedom of speech is dead in this country, shame on the Metropolitan Police.”
A small contingent of counter-protesters was also present in Parliament Square, holding placards that read, “There is no genocide but there are 50 hostages still captive,” reflecting a divided public sentiment on the ongoing conflict and the government’s response.
Legal Challenge Looms as Palestine Action Faces Ban
The arrests come ahead of a crucial High Court hearing scheduled for Monday. Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, is seeking permission to challenge the Home Secretary’s decision to ban the group. The proscription, enacted under the Terrorism Act 2000, renders membership or support for Palestine Action a criminal offense, potentially punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
This move to ban the institution followed an incident on June 20,where two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire were damaged. Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the act,which police estimated caused approximately €7 million in damages. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced plans to proscribe the group three days later, condemning the vandalism as “disgraceful” and citing Palestine Action’s “long history of unacceptable criminal damage.”
The Metropolitan Police noted that a total of 70 people were arrested at similar demonstrations in Parliament Square over the preceding two weekends, indicating a sustained period of protest and police action related to the group.