Over 400 Arrested at London Protest Following Palestine Action Ban
LONDON – More than 400 peopel were arrested in London on Saturday during protests against the goverment’s decision to ban the Palestine Action group and designate it a terrorist organization. The arrests occurred as demonstrators clashed with police, with authorities citing public order offenses. The move to proscribe Palestine action has sparked widespread criticism from civil liberties groups and raised questions about the scope of the UK’s terrorism legislation.
The protests follow a recent government order outlawing Palestine Action,accusing the group of engaging in activities that threaten national security. Over 700 people have been arrested at earlier protests related to Palestine Action, and 138 have already been charged under the terrorism Act. Critics argue the application of terrorism laws to protest movements is a disproportionate response and chills legitimate dissent.
Defend Our Juries released a statement asserting that aggression originated from police officers and dismissing claims of protester violence as “frankly laughable.”
Among those arrested was Mike Higgins, 62, who is blind and uses a wheelchair. He was previously arrested last month but returned to demonstrate on Saturday, stating, “And I’m a terrorist? That’s the joke of it. I’ve already been arrested under the Terrorism Act and I suspect I will be today. Of course I’ll keep coming back. What choice do I have?”
The government maintains that proscribing Palestine Action does not impact other lawful groups, including pro-Palestinian or pro-israel voices, engaged in peaceful campaigning or protest.
A separate pro-Palestinian march, estimated by police to have drawn approximately 20,000 attendees, also took place in London on Saturday.
Reuters/AP
