London Protest Over Palestine Action Ban Leads to Arrests

Demonstrators decry the proscription of the group as a terror organization.

In London, authorities arrested 42 individuals during a protest against the recent ban of Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000. The demonstrations follow similar actions last week.

Arrests Made in Parliament Square

The Metropolitan Police reported that 41 arrests were for allegedly expressing support for a proscribed organization. Also, one person was arrested on suspicion of common assault following gatherings that started shortly after 13:00 BST in Parliament Square.

Demonstrators held signs with messages such as: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” Protesters were observed lying on top of one another as police searched bags, examined ID cards, and confiscated handmade signs.

Law enforcement officers removed protesters, some of whom were carried away, while others were escorted into police vans. The final protester was removed from the **Nelson Mandela** statue just after 14:30 BST.

Defend Our Juries, the group that says it organized the London protest, reported that other demonstrations occurred across the UK, including in Manchester and Cardiff.

Palestine Action’s Proscription

The government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action, effective last Saturday, makes membership or support for the group a criminal offense. This action comes after activists sprayed paint on two Voyager aircraft at RAF Brize Norton in June; Palestine Action claimed responsibility for the incident.

The Home Office has emphasized its commitment to tackling extremism, noting that since 2019, 11 organizations have been proscribed as terrorist groups, demonstrating the seriousness with which the government views such threats (GOV.UK).