Over 460 People Detained in London Protest Against Palestine Action Ban

Police in London have detained more than 466 people during a demonstration opposing the United Kingdom’s decision to designate the Palestine Action Group as a proscribed organisation. Campaigners described it as the largest number of arrests recorded at a single protest in the city.

The protest took place on Saturday at Parliament Square, where hundreds gathered holding signs that read, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

Video from the event showed participants sitting on the ground and chanting slogans, while police escorted some away from the area. The Metropolitan Police said the arrests were made for “showing support for Palestine Action”, which was banned under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000 in July.

Eight additional arrests were made for other offences, including five alleged assaults on officers.

Organisers from the group Defend Our Juries said about 800 people took part, and that more than half were detained. They framed the gathering as an expression of opposition to the recent ban.

Under UK law, membership in or support for a proscribed organisation can lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years. The government’s decision to ban Palestine Action followed an incident in June in which members entered a military airbase and damaged two aircraft.

Critics of the ban have said it raises questions about the scope of free expression and the right to protest.