The Metropolitan Police have confirmed 200 arrests at a protest in Westminster for showing support for the proscribed group Palestine Action, with further arrests expected. The demonstration, organised by Defend Our Juries, took place in Parliament Square where participants displayed signs stating: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
Palestine Action was banned in July under the Terrorism Act 2000, making membership of or support for the group a criminal offence carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
By 3.40pm, police had detained 200 people for offences under the legislation and made an additional four arrests for assaults on officers. The Metropolitan Police said those detained were processed at facilities in the Westminster area. Individuals whose details were confirmed were released on bail under conditions prohibiting them from attending future demonstrations in support of Palestine Action. Those who refused to provide details, or whose identities could not be verified, were taken to custody suites across London.
Officers from other forces were brought into the capital to support what the Met described as a “significant policing presence” ahead of a busy weekend of protests. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan had earlier warned that police would arrest anyone expressing support for the group and urged attendees to consider “the seriousness of that outcome.”
The protest follows the first charges brought under the new ban, with two women and a man due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 16 September accused of showing support for a proscribed organisation. Across the UK, more than 200 people have been arrested for similar offences since the ban came into effect.
The High Court has granted permission for Palestine Action to challenge the proscription. Lawyers for co-founder Huda Ammori claim the ban breaches free speech rights and suppresses legitimate protest. The government maintains it is justified, citing incidents including a June break-in at RAF Brize Norton where activists caused £7m in damage to two Voyager aircraft. MPs approved the measure following security advice describing the group’s actions as involving “violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage.”
Additional marches are planned in London this weekend, including one by the Palestine Coalition and another by pro-Israeli group Stop the Hate.