Police have started making arrests at the largest protest so far against the ban on Palestine Action. Over 1,000 people committed to risking arrest at Saturday’s demonstration in London, nearly double the number from last month’s protest, where 532 were detained. By 1 p.m., hundreds had gathered in Parliament Square holding signs that read, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
At 1:14 p.m., the Metropolitan Police announced that officers had begun arresting individuals for expressing support for the proscribed group Palestine Action at the protest, which was organized by Defend Our Juries. Police were met with chants of “shame on you” as they escorted two elderly people on mobility scooters into vans.
Among the participants was Steve Masters, 55, who said, “I’m here because I oppose genocide and the government’s overreach in banning Palestine Action. They’ve lowered the bar for what counts as terrorism, making the term almost meaningless.” A former RAF aircraft technician with 19 years of service, Masters wore his four service medals to the protest. He stated, “As someone who served in the air force, attacking a jet is not something I would do. While damaging property is unpleasant, to most people it isn’t terrorism. They aren’t trying to harm anyone directly. This ban is a travesty of justice.”
Protesters were instructed to withhold their details from police to force mass processing at stations, a tactic organizers say would make it “practically impossible” to arrest everyone. Masters plans to follow this strategy, meaning he will need to be taken to a station for processing. He expressed that while he doesn’t envy the police’s difficult position, he also has no sympathy for them, adding, “They could refuse to carry out these arrests. It takes moral courage—they might lose their jobs, but where is the red line?”
Mike Higgins, 62, a blind wheelchair user whose arrest last month was widely viewed on social media, also returned to protest. He called last month’s arrest a “stark highlight of what an absolute waste of time” the ban is for the state, taxpayers, police resources, and, most importantly, for defending the people of Palestine.
Saturday’s demonstration was the largest to date. Hundreds filled Parliament Square, while the anti-abortion group March for Life set up a stage with loud music nearby. Early on, several people fell in a crowd crush, and water was thrown at officers, with the most chaotic scenes occurring on the western side of the square.
The protest coincided with a major march organized by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and others, and it took place amid growing controversy over the DSEI arms fair, Britain’s flagship defense exhibition, which also began on Saturday.
Earlier in the week, Tim Crosland, a former government lawyer and co-founder of Defend Our Juries, was arrested hours before a press conference. On Thursday, six people allegedly linked to the group appeared in court to deny terror charges related to organizing mass gatherings aimed at making the ban on Palestine Action unenforceable.
On Friday, the group announced it had sent a letter to Met Commissioner Mark Rowley, noting that police in Edinburgh, Totnes, Derry, and Kendal had chosen not to arrest sign-holders.
More details to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the police arrest of protesters at a banned Palestine Action demonstration in London designed to be clear and helpful
General Beginner Questions
1 What happened in London with the Palestine Action protest
Police arrested a number of protesters after a planned demonstration by the group Palestine Action was officially banned by the UK government
2 Why was the protest banned
The government stated the ban was due to concerns that the protest could lead to serious disruption to the life of the community and potentially involve criminal acts like trespassing and vandalism which the group is known for
3 Who is Palestine Action
Palestine Action is a directaction activist network Their primary goal is to shut down the operations of Elbit Systems UK an Israeliowned arms company which they accuse of supplying weapons used against Palestinians
4 Is protesting illegal in the UK
No the right to peaceful protest is protected by law However a protest can be banned or restricted if authorities believe it will lead to serious public disorder damage or disruption
5 What were the protesters planning to do
While their exact plans are not public Palestine Actions past tactics have included occupying buildings blocking entrances and spraypainting property belonging to their target companies
Legal Advanced Questions
6 What law allowed the police to ban this protest
The ban was issued under Section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986 This gives police the power to impose conditions on a public assembly to prevent serious public disorder damage or disruption
7 On what grounds can someone be arrested at a banned protest
Individuals can be arrested for failing to comply with a police order to disperse or for more specific offences like aggravated trespass criminal damage or breach of the peace
8 What are the potential consequences for those arrested
This depends on the specific charges It could range from a fine or a conditional discharge for minor offences to potential imprisonment for more serious charges like criminal damage or conspiracy
9 What is the difference between a banned protest and an unauthorised one
Unauthorised A protest that proceeds without officially notifying the police in advance
