UK police arrest over 400 people for supporting banned pro-Palestine group
The Metropolitan Police said it had made the arrests, thought to be one of the highest number ever at a single protest in the UK capital, for "supporting a proscribed organisation".
It also arrested eight people for other offences including five for alleged assaults on officers, though none were seriously injured, it added.
The government outlawed Palestine Action in early July, days after it took responsibility for a break-in at an air force base in southern England that caused an estimated £7 million ($9.3 million) of damage to two aircraft.
The group said its activists were responding to Britain's indirect military support for Israel amid the war in Gaza.
Britain's interior ministry reiterated ahead of Saturday's protests that Palestine Action was also suspected of other "serious attacks" that involved "violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage".
But critics, including the United Nations and groups such as Amnesty International and Greenpeace, have condemned the move as legal overreach and a threat to free speech.
'Unprecedented'
A group called Defend Our Juries, which organised Saturday's protests and previous demonstrations against the ban, said "unprecedented numbers" had risked "arrest and possible imprisonment" to "defend this country's ancient liberties".
"We will keep going. Our numbers are already growing for the next wave of action in September," it added.
Attendees began massing near parliament at lunchtime bearing signs saying "oppose genocide, support Palestine Action" and other slogans, and waving Palestinian flags.
Psychotherapist Craig Bell, 39, was among those holding a placard. For him, the ban was "absolutely ridiculous".
"When you compare Palestine Action with an actual terrorist group who are killing civilians and taking lives, it's just a joke that they're being prescribed a terrorist group," he told AFP.
As police moved in on the demonstrators, who nearly all appeared to offer no resistance, attendees applauded those being arrested and shouted "shame on you" at officers.
"Let them arrest us all," said Richard Bull, 42, a wheelchair-user in attendance.
"This government has gone too far. I have nothing to feel ashamed of."
However, interior minister Yvette Cooper insisted late Saturday Palestine Action had been outlawed "based on strong security advice" and following "an assessment from the Joint Terrorism Assessment Centre that the group prepares for terrorism".
"Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation," she said, adding it "is not non-violent".
"The right to protest is one we protect fiercely but this is very different from displaying support for this one specific and narrow, proscribed organisation."
NGOs opposed
Police forces across the UK have made scores of similar arrests since the government outlawed Palestine Action on July 5, making being a member or supporting the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Police announced this week that the first three people had been charged in the English and Welsh criminal justice system with supporting Palestine Action following their arrests at a July 5 demo.
Seven people have so far been charged in Scotland, which has a separate legal system.
Amnesty International UK Chief Executive Sacha Deshmukh wrote to Met Police chief Mark Rowley this week urging restraint be exercised when policing people holding placards expressing support for Palestine Action.
"The arrest of otherwise peaceful protesters is a violation of the UK's international obligations to protect the rights of freedom of expression and assembly," Amnesty said Saturday on X.
A UK court challenge against the decision to proscribe Palestine Action will be heard in November.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
UAE Moments
5 hours ago
- UAE Moments
Police Capture Terror Suspects Linked to Foreign Operatives
Police Capture Terror Suspects Linked to Foreign Operatives in Rajasthan In a significant development, authorities have apprehended five individuals suspected of being part of a terror module operating under foreign directives. The arrests were made during a meticulously planned intelligence-led operation in Rajasthan's Tonk and Jaipur districts. Links to Foreign-Based Operatives Exposed Senior officials shared critical details about the suspects' connections to international terror networks. An official revealed, 'The arrested accused were receiving direct instructions from foreign-based Zeeshan Akhtar and BKI mastermind Mannu Agwan, who is working closely with Pakistan-based operative Harwinder Rinda. We have successfully averted further planned attacks by this terror module.' Authorities emphasized that investigations are ongoing to uncover the module's forward and backward linkages, aiming to dismantle the network completely. Confrontation During Follow-Up Operation The operation took a tense turn during a follow-up recovery attempt involving one of the accused, Sonu alias Kali. According to AIG Counter Intelligence, Jalandhar, Navjot Mahal, the suspect tried to open fire on the police party. In response, the officers retaliated in self-defense, resulting in a bullet injury to Sonu. 'The injured accused was immediately shifted to the Civil Hospital in SBS Nagar, where he is currently undergoing treatment,' reported Mahal. The quick medical intervention ensured that Sonu received adequate care following the incident. Charges Filed Under Multiple Legal Provisions The police have registered an FIR against the accused under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including: Section 109 Section 324(5) Section 61(2) Additionally, sections 3, 4, and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act have also been invoked, marking the severity of the case. The FIR highlights the grave charges against the suspects and the nature of their alleged activities. Collaborative Efforts to Curb Terror Threats The success of this operation underscores the importance of well-coordinated intelligence and swift police action in combating terror threats. With ties to international operatives such as Zeeshan Akhtar, Mannu Agwan, and Harwinder Rinda, the captured terror module poses serious security concerns. The investigation continues, aiming to strengthen national security and prevent future threats from similar terror networks. This case serves as a reminder of the critical need for proactive measures in countering extremist activities.
Al Etihad
7 hours ago
- Al Etihad
UK police seize supercars worth £6m in anti-social driving crackdown
12 Aug 2025 20:55 LONDON (PA Media/dpa)British police have seized supercars worth more than £6 million ($8.1 million) during a crackdown on anti-social luxury vehicles, including Ferraris, Lamborghinis and Bentleys, were taken off the streets last weekend in an operation targeting nuisance driving in London's West End. The Metropolitan Police said the cars were either unroadworthy or being driven operation was launched following complaints from residents, businesses and visitors about high-value cars causing disruption in and around Hyde Park, Kensington and worked with the Motor Insurers' Bureau to issue tickets for a range of offences including driving with no insurance, no licence, disqualification, false documentation and fraudulent number stolen vehicles were recovered, with 10 others found to have no valid MoT and 11 without road people were arrested for offences including actual bodily harm, criminal damage, drug offences, theft, and immigration Chief Officer James Deller said the operation responded to concerns over "high-value vehicles causing a nuisance in known hotspot areas in central and west London."He added: "The Met has already reduced neighbourhood crime by 19% over recent months and we're addressing anti-social behaviour caused by uninsured drivers. "This has been a great opportunity to work with the Motor Insurers' Bureau and for officers to speak with members of the public about the work we do, educate drivers, and enforce the law."
Khaleej Times
8 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Palace mull legal steps after losing appeal over Europa League demotion
Crystal Palace said on Tuesday they are seeking legal advice on possible next steps after the Court of Arbitration for Sport dismissed the club's appeal against UEFA's decision to demote them from the Europa League to the Conference League. European soccer's governing body made the decision over Palace's multi-club ownership rule breach because at the time of assessment on March 1 the John Textor-founded Eagle Football Group were majority owners of fellow Europa League side Olympique Lyonnais and also held shares in Palace. US businessman Textor's Eagle Football Holdings sold their stake in Palace last month. However, CAS upheld Uefa's ruling on Monday, and dismissed Palace's argument that the club received unfair treatment in comparison to Lyon and Nottingham Forest, with the latter replacing them in the Europa League. "The decision by UEFA and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless," Palace, who had qualified for the Europa League as FA Cup winners, said in a statement. "It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power ... while we respect the CAS tribunal members, the process is designed to severely restrict and, in our case, make it almost impossible to receive a fair hearing. "UEFA's decision has wider implications for the governance of the sport. A combination of poorly conceived regulations and their unequal application means our brilliant fans will be deprived of the chance to watch this team compete in the Europa League for the first time in our history." Uefa and CAS were not immediately available to comment. Palace said the European Court of Justice's ruling earlier this month, which allows national courts to conduct in-depth reviews of arbitral awards by CAS to ensure they are compliant with EU law, will ensure greater scrutiny of sport's top court. "Only then will fairness and due process be granted to every team," Palace added. "Although we continue to take legal advice on the next steps, we will compete in the Conference League." Palace, who won the Community Shield on Sunday with victory over Premier League champions Liverpool on penalties, are in the Conference League qualifying playoff round later this month.
