'Over 200 arrested': London police crackdown on supporters of a pro-Palestinian group; protesters call it free speech violation
London police have arrested around 200 people after demonstrators openly defied a new law banning public support for a pro-Palestinian group, 'Palestine Action' arguing the legislation unfairly restricts freedom of expression.
In a post on X, the Metropolitan Police said, "We have now made 200 arrests in Parliament Square this afternoon. "
The arrests comes after earlier officers had arrested 150 people after finding several protesters displaying placards in support of the Palestine Action, which was outlawed in July and classified as a terrorist organization.
'Within this crowd a significant number of people are displaying placards expressing support for Palestine Action, which is a proscribed group,' the post read.
'Officers have moved in and are making arrests.'
Home secretary Yvette Cooper imposed a ban on the organization following a June 20 incident in which activists from the group Palestine Action broke into a British air force base in southern England to protest the UK's support for Israel in its war with Hamas. They sprayed red paint into the engines of two large planes and damaged them further using crowbars.
On Saturday, protesters gathered outside Parliament holding signs such as 'I oppose genocide.
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I support Palestine Action,' prompting police to intervene. Supporters of the group are challenging the ban in court, claiming it dangerously broadens the definition of terrorism and undermines democratic freedoms.
'Once the meaning of 'terrorism' is separated from campaigns of violence against a civilian population, and extended to include those causing economic damage or embarrassment to the rich, the powerful and the criminal, then the right to freedom of expression has no meaning and democracy is dead,' the pro-Palestine group 'Defend Our Juries' said on its website.
The arrests come during a weekend of heightened demonstrations in London. Pro-Palestinian marches are planned, including one ending at Downing Street, while on Sunday, rallies will call for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Protests related to immigration, including outside hotels housing asylum seekers, are also expected.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said the scale of the events would 'put pressure' on the police department.
'This is going to be a particularly busy few days in London with many simultaneous protests and events that will require a significant policing presence,' Adelekan said before the protests began.
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