Over 400 arrested at London protest against Palestine Action ban

Police in London detained more than 400 people on Saturday during a demonstration backing Palestine Action, the activist group that was outlawed earlier this summer under Britain’s terrorism laws.

Hundreds gathered outside the Houses of Parliament, many holding banners with slogans such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” The Metropolitan Police had issued warnings that anyone voicing explicit support for the proscribed group risked arrest.

By late evening, police confirmed that “more than 425 people… in relation to the protest” had been taken into custody. “The majority of these arrests were made for supporting a proscribed organisation,” the force said.

Some attendees defended the group and criticized the government’s decision. Polly Smith, a 74-year-old retiree, said protesters were “not terrorists,” insisting that “the ban must be lifted.” Nigel, a 62-year-old recycling company executive, called the government’s actions “totally inappropriate,” adding: “They should spend more time working on trying to stop genocide, rather than trying to stop protesters.” He was arrested shortly after speaking, as others shouted “Shame on you!” at the police.

Tensions flared as demonstrators tried to block arrests, leading to scuffles with officers. Police reported more than 25 arrests for alleged assaults on officers and other public order offences. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart said officers had endured “intolerable” treatment, including being kicked, punched, and spat on.

Palestine Action was banned in July under the Terrorism Act of 2000, after a string of direct actions that included vandalism at a Royal Air Force base, with damages estimated at 7 million British Pounds (USD 10 million).

The decision has been condemned by rights groups and international bodies, including Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the United Nations, who argue the move undermines freedom of expression.

According to police figures, more than 800 people had already been arrested in relation to Palestine Action prior to Saturday’s protest. Of those, 138 face charges of either supporting or encouraging support for a banned group. Convictions could carry prison terms of up to six months, while organizers could face sentences as long as 14 years.

The government, meanwhile, has secured permission to appeal a legal decision that allowed group co-founder Huda Ammori to contest the ban in court.

Elsewhere in London, a larger pro-Palestinian march drew thousands as 'Israel' intensified airstrikes in Gaza and announced its goal of seizing Gaza City to defeat Hamas.