London arrests 200 at pro-Palestine protest amid ban controversy
The Metropolitan Police stated they anticipated further arrests as organisers claimed only a fraction of attendees were detained.
Authorities dismissed claims of selective arrests, confirming anyone visibly supporting Palestine Action was either arrested or in the process.
The UK government banned Palestine Action after activists damaged military aircraft worth £7 million at an air force base.
The interior ministry accused the group of involvement in violent attacks causing injuries and extensive property damage.
Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the UN, criticised the ban as suppressing free speech.
Protest organisers Defend our Juries called the turnout 'unprecedented' and vowed to continue demonstrations in September.
Demonstrators carried signs condemning genocide and waved Palestinian flags near parliament.
Psychotherapist Craig Bell, 39, labelled the ban 'absolutely ridiculous' and dismissed comparisons to actual terrorist groups.
Police faced chants of 'shame on you' as they arrested protesters, who cheered those being detained.
Wheelchair-user Richard Bull, 42, declared he had 'nothing to feel ashamed of' and accused the government of overreach.
UK anti-terror laws now criminalise membership or support of Palestine Action, with penalties up to 14 years in prison.
Three individuals in England and Wales have already been charged under the new law, while seven face charges in Scotland.
Amnesty International urged police to avoid arresting peaceful protesters holding pro-Palestine Action signs.
The NGO argued such arrests violate international human rights protections.
A legal challenge against the ban will be heard in a UK court later this year. - AFP
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