Over 500 Arrested in London for Supporting Banned Group Palestine Action

On Saturday, London's Metropolitan Police arrested 532 individuals during a demonstration in Parliament Square supporting the banned group Palestine Action. Of these, 521 were detained for displaying placards in support of the proscribed organization, in violation of the Terrorism Act 2000. The remaining arrests included six for assaulting police officers, two for breaching Public Order Act conditions, one for obstructing a constable, and one for a racially aggravated public order offense.

The protest was organized by Defend Our Juries, with participants simultaneously unveiling placards reading "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action" at 1:00 PM BST. Police began making arrests shortly thereafter, with some protesters being carried away after refusing to move. Those who provided their details were released on bail with conditions not to attend future demonstrations related to Palestine Action, while 212 individuals who refused to provide their details or were already on bail were taken into custody. As of Sunday afternoon, 18 remained in custody but were expected to be released during the day.

The UK government proscribed Palestine Action in July under the Terrorism Act, making membership or support for the group a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The ban followed incidents where activists damaged Royal Air Force planes in protest of the UK's support for Israel amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Critics, including Amnesty International, have condemned the arrests, warning of threats to civil liberties and freedom of expression.