Hundreds Arrested in London Amid Crackdown on Palestine Action Supporters

London police arrested at least 365 individuals on Saturday at a major protest supporting Palestine Action, a group recently classified as a “terror organisation” by the British government. The arrests, primarily at Parliament Square, were made under the Terrorism Act 2000 for supporting a proscribed organization.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed 365 arrests by Saturday evening, stating their intent to detain anyone expressing support for Palestine Action. Videos circulated on social media showed officers removing protesters holding signs such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Defend our Juries, an advocacy group, stated the protest was a collective opposition to the Gaza situation and the Palestine Action ban.

Critics, including Amnesty International UK, have swiftly condemned the arrests, arguing they infringe upon fundamental rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The ban, which came into force in July, makes membership or support for Palestine Action a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Labour MP John McDonnell also denounced the arrests, calling it a “disgrace.”

The Saturday arrests follow a wave of over 200 detentions across the UK since the ban was enacted. Over 350 academics globally have signed an open letter applauding the “growing campaign of collective defiance” against the Home Secretary’s decision, expressing concerns about its impact on universities.

Palestine Action, known for targeting Israel-linked companies in the UK, accuses the British government of complicity in Israeli actions in Gaza. The group was proscribed after allegedly damaging two Airbus Voyager aircraft at a military airbase in June, which they claim can be used to refuel Israeli fighter jets.

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