Over 425 Arrested at London Protest Against Palestine Action Ban

LONDON – More than 425 people have been arrested in London during a demonstration opposing the government’s ban of the campaign group Palestine Action. Hundreds gathered in Parliament Square, holding placards in defiance of the government's proscription.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the majority of arrests were for supporting a proscribed organisation. The force reported that officers faced an "exceptional level of abuse," including physical assaults, kicking, and spitting. In contrast, Defend Our Juries, the organisers of the rally, accused police of "violently assaulting peaceful protestors," including elderly people, for simply holding cardboard signs.

The protest began with a coordinated effort as demonstrators wrote messages in support of the group. Police, having previously issued warnings, began making arrests of those holding signs. Many of the protestors followed instructions to go limp, making it more difficult for officers to carry them away, while crowds chanted "shame on you."

The government proscribed Palestine Action in July under the Terrorism Act, making support for the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The ban is currently being legally challenged.

The protest drew a wide range of demonstrators, including veteran campaigner Sir Jonathon Porritt, who described himself as "outraged with the government's direct complicity" in what he called "genocide" in Gaza. Margaret, 79, who traveled from Dorset, told reporters the ban was "ridiculous" and that it should be challenged. Amnesty International's campaigns director Kerry Moscogiuri stated it was "genuinely shocking to see people being hauled from the streets of London... for peacefully holding up signs."

The protest follows a similar demonstration last month where more than 500 people were arrested for displaying placards.