UK Police Arrest Dozens Of Palestine Action Supporters Amid National Protests

British police have arrested scores of protesters across the United Kingdom in connection with demonstrations supporting the proscribed activist group, Palestine Action. The arrests marked the third consecutive weekend of nationwide protests following the government’s decision to ban the group under anti-terror legislation.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 55 individuals were detained in London’s Parliament Square under the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying placards expressing solidarity with Palestine Action, including messages such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” An additional eight protesters were arrested at a separate demonstration elsewhere in London.

Similar clampdowns occurred in other cities: eight individuals were detained in Truro, Cornwall; 18 in Manchester; 17 in Bristol; and several others in Edinburgh, according to local police reports.

The demonstrations were spearheaded by Defend Our Juries, a campaign group that openly declared its intention to defy the government’s ban on Palestine Action. The ban, effective from 5 July, renders any expression of support for the group a criminal offence following a failed High Court challenge against the proscription.

The UK government invoked the Terrorism Act 2000 to outlaw Palestine Action shortly after the group claimed responsibility for a high-profile break-in at a Royal Air Force base in southern England. During the incident, activists allegedly sprayed two aircraft with red paint, causing damages estimated at £7 million. Four individuals charged in relation to the incident remain in custody.

Palestine Action has strongly denounced the ban, describing it as a direct assault on freedom of expression. Under the terms of the proscription, affiliation with or support for the group carries penalties of up to 14 years’ imprisonment.