Protesters Arrested Again at Palestine Action Demonstration
For the second consecutive week, authorities made arrests at a central London demonstration where participants voiced support for Palestine Action. The recent event follows a similar incident the previous week.
Repeat Arrests in Parliament Square
On Saturday, shortly after 1 p.m., two groups of demonstrators gathered at the statues of **Mahatma Gandhi** and **Nelson Mandela** in Parliament Square. Protesters sat on the steps, according to Defend Our Juries, the group organizing the event. Further demonstrations were planned for Manchester, Cardiff, and Derry.
We are responding to a protest in support of Palestine Action. Officers are in the process of making arrests. We will issue any updates on this thread.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) June 7, 2024
By 1:20 p.m., the Metropolitan Police announced via X that they were responding to the protest and making arrests. Meanwhile, Defend Our Juries claimed on X that over 300 officers were arresting demonstrators for alleged “terrorism offences” related to signs supporting Palestine Action.
Demonstrators held aloft signs with messages such as I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action
. Police officers searched bags and took IDs. Some protesters were seen lying on top of one another as officers took their signs. Subsequently, police escorted the protesters into waiting vans.
Palestine Action Ban Sparks Controversy
Late last month, **Yvette Cooper**, the home secretary, revealed plans to ban Palestine Action after activists allegedly broke into RAF Brize Norton and defaced military aircraft. Parliament approved the ban last week.
However, the ban has faced criticism from UN experts, civil liberties groups, cultural figures, and lawyers. As reported by the ACLU, such measures stifle dissent and disproportionately affect marginalized communities, potentially leading to broader erosions of civil liberties and democratic participation. (ACLU.org)
‘Draconian’ Measure?
Critics argue that the ban conflates protest with terrorism, setting a dangerous precedent. The proscription places Palestine Action alongside groups like Islamic State and al-Qaida under the Terrorism Act.
