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London police arrested at least 450 demonstrators on Saturday for publicly supporting Palestine Action, a group recently outlawed under the United Kingdom’s anti-terrorism laws for violent and destructive actions targeting British and Israeli-linked sites.
The arrests took place in Parliament Square during what organizers described as the largest protest yet against the July 5 ban imposed by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Authorities rejected protest organizers’ claims that only a small portion of attendees were detained, stating they were “confident that anyone… holding a placard expressing support for Palestine Action was either arrested or is in the process of being arrested.”
Participants displayed signs declaring “Oppose genocide, support Palestine Action,” cheered those being led away by officers, and heckled police with chants of “Shame on you.”
The rally was coordinated by the activist network Defend Our Juries, which is spearheading a “Lift the Ban” campaign. On its website, the group argued the terrorism designation undermines free expression, claiming the definition of terrorism is being stretched to include “economic damage or embarrassment to the rich, the powerful and the criminal.”
Why the Ban Was Imposed
The British government proscribed Palestine Action after a June 20 attack on RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, when members broke into the Royal Air Force base to protest British support for Israel’s war against Hamas. The activists sprayed red paint into the engines of two tanker planes and caused further damage with crowbars.
Authorities say Palestine Action is also responsible for “serious attacks” involving violence, significant injuries, and extensive property destruction. The group has a history of targeting Israeli defense contractors and other sites it alleges are connected to Israel’s military.
First Terror-Related Charges Filed
Since the ban took effect, police have made dozens of arrests for expressions of support for Palestine Action. This week, prosecutors filed the first three formal charges in England and Wales under anti-terror legislation for individuals detained at a July 5 protest.
Under UK law, supporting a proscribed group can result in arrest, prosecution, and significant prison sentences. A legal challenge against the ban is expected to be heard later this year.
