London Police Arrest Over 470 Pro-Palestinian Protesters Defying New Ban
London Police Arrest Over 470 Pro-Palestinian Protesters Defying New Ban
London police have confirmed the arrest of 474 individuals in central London on Saturday, following a large demonstration by supporters of the recently banned pro-Palestinian group, Palestine Action. Protesters intentionally flouted a new law, passed in early July, which criminalizes public support for the organization, in an attempt to compel the government to reconsider the ban.
The controversial law was enacted after Palestine Action activists breached a Royal Air Force base on June 20, vandalizing two tanker planes to protest Britain’s support for Israel’s military actions in the Gaza Strip. Backers of the group argue that the ban constitutes an illegal restriction on freedom of expression, and have held numerous protests across the U.K. over the past month.
More than 500 protesters gathered outside the Houses of Parliament on Saturday, many openly challenging police by displaying signs stating, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” This prompted widespread arrests. While the demonstration concluded, a dispute arose between police and organizers regarding the arrest figures, with organizers claiming police were only able to arrest a fraction of participants, suggesting the law was unworkable.
The Metropolitan Police Service refuted these claims, asserting that anyone displaying support for Palestine Action was either arrested or in the process of being arrested, clarifying that many onlookers and media were present but not targeted. Police had anticipated the unique nature of the protest, where participants sought arrest to strain the justice system. As of Saturday evening, 466 arrests were specifically for supporting Palestine Action, with eight others for offenses including assault on officers.
Palestine Action has previously targeted Israeli defense contractors and other U.K. sites perceived to have links with the Israeli military. Supporters are currently challenging the government’s ban in court, arguing that declaring the group a terrorist organization overreaches and stifles free expression. The arrests occurred amidst a busy weekend of demonstrations in London, with further protests and counter-protests scheduled, highlighting ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict and immigration policies.
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