Over 70 Detained During U.K. Protests Supporting the Banned Group Palestine Action
On Saturday, over 70 people were arrested during protests in the U.K. against the designation of the Palestine Action group as a terrorist organization by the British government. This action followed an incident involving the group’s break-in and vandalism at a Royal Air Force base.
The Metropolitan Police reported that, by late afternoon, 42 arrests had been made in London, primarily for showing support for the proscribed organization. This support may include chanting, wearing clothing, or displaying flags and signs associated with the group.
In addition, one person was arrested for common assault. The protests also saw 16 arrests in Manchester and 13 others in Cardiff.
In London, protesters gathered for the second consecutive week to voice their support for the pro-Palestinian activist group. The outlawing of Palestine Action means that supporting the organization is now considered a criminal offense, with police having previously arrested 29 individuals at a similar protest the week prior.
Demonstrators in Parliament Square assembled under the statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela, holding signs stating, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” They maintained a silent protest surrounded by police and media, with some lying on the ground as officers searched their bags and confiscated signs. Police were seen carrying away several individuals who lay down in protest.
The official classification of Palestine Action as a proscribed group under the Terrorism Act 2000 allows for penalties of up to 14 years in prison for membership or support. This recent designation brings the total number of proscribed organizations in the U.K. to 81, including militant groups like Hamas and al-Qaida.
The government’s decision to ban Palestine Action followed significant vandalism at the Brize Norton RAF base, where damages were estimated at $9.4 million. Four individuals involved in this incident are scheduled to appear in court on July 18.