The Metropolitan Police have confirmed that 890 people were arrested during Saturday’s mass protest in Westminster against the government’s ban on the activist group Palestine Action.
Of those detained, 857 were arrested for showing support for a proscribed group under the Terrorism Act, while 33 were arrested for other offences, including 17 for assaults on police officers.
Police said the demonstration turned violent, alleging that a masked group coordinated attacks against officers. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart said: “The violence we encountered during the operation was coordinated and carried out by a group of people, many wearing masks to conceal their identity, intent on creating as much disorder as possible.”
Organisers disputed this account, insisting that protesters had been “peacefully defying the ban.” Campaign group Defend Our Juries accused police of “violently assaulting peaceful protesters including the elderly, in order to try and arrest over a thousand people for holding cardboard signs.”
Around 1,500 people gathered in Parliament Square from 13:00 BST on Saturday, with many writing messages of support for Palestine Action on placards. Police began making arrests soon afterwards, carrying away protesters who often went “floppy” to resist being moved.
The government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in July, following incidents including activists breaking into an RAF base and damaging two military aircraft. Membership or support of the group now carries a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years.
The Met said the scale of arrests had placed a heavy burden on resources, taking officers away from local duties. Most protesters were taken into custody after refusing to provide personal details or due to being on bail.
Legal battles over the ban continue. Co-founder Huda Ammori was granted permission to appeal against the proscription in July, arguing it breached the right to free speech. The Home Office has since been granted the right to challenge that ruling.
Former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the proscription, saying some supporters “don’t know the full nature” of the group. On Sunday, Defence Secretary John Healey said he expected Cooper’s successor, Shabana Mahmood, would be “just as tough” on Palestine Action supporters.
Organisers pledged that protests against the ban would continue until it is lifted.