UK Police Arrest 200 at Palestine Action Protest Amid Controversial Ban
London, UK – In a significant escalation of tensions surrounding the recently classified “terror organization” Palestine Action, London police arrested at least 200 individuals during a demonstration in Parliament Square on Saturday. The Metropolitan Police announced that participants were detained for expressing support for the banned group, emphasizing their commitment to enforcing the prohibition under the Terrorism Act 2000, which could lead to sentences of up to 14 years.
The mass arrests are part of a wave of protests against the government’s ban, which critics argue infringes upon fundamental rights to free speech and assembly. Many protesters displayed signs and wore t-shirts in support of Palestine Action, undeterred by the threat of arrest. Al Jazeera’s Sonia Gallego noted that even minimal expressions of support, such as simple slogans, could result in detention.
More than 350 academics globally have signed an open letter condemning the ban, highlighting its dire implications for free expression, particularly within academic circles. Renowned figures including Israeli historian Ilan Pappe and political theorists Michael Hardt and Jaqueline Rose expressed deep concerns over the possible chilling effects of the government’s decision.
Additionally, Amnesty International UK condemned the arrests, stating they violate international obligations to uphold peaceful assembly. The police also reported an arrest during a separate march supporting Palestine Action.
The UK government’s classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist entity follows multiple acts of protest by the group, including a break-in at a military airbase that resulted in damage to aircraft allegedly used to support Israeli military operations. Spokesperson Manaal Siddiqui articulated the group’s stance, asserting that their actions aim to challenge UK complicity in what they term Israeli war crimes resulting from ongoing conflicts in Gaza.
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