British authorities have reported the arrest of over 200 individuals in central London on Saturday following demonstrations by supporters of a recently banned pro-Palestinian organization. The group’s actions were seen as a deliberate defiance of the law, aimed at pressuring the government to reconsider the ban imposed earlier in July.
The legislation outlawed Palestine Action and criminalized public endorsement of the group, a move triggered by activists breaking into a Royal Air Force base and damaging two tanker planes to protest British support for Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Advocates of the organization, who have been staging protests across the U.K., argue that the law infringes on freedom of expression.
More than 500 protesters congregated outside the Houses of Parliament, with many openly challenging authorities by displaying signs declaring their stance. Subsequently, the police intervened, leading to numerous arrests. As the demonstration wound down, disputes arose between law enforcement and protest organizers over the number of arrests, with the latter attempting to demonstrate the impracticality of the ban.
According to Defend Our Juries, the group behind the protest, the arrests made by the police represent only a fraction of those deemed to have committed offenses, casting doubt on the efficacy of the law. In response, the Metropolitan Police refuted these claims, asserting that the majority of individuals present were either bystanders, media personnel, or not displaying support for the banned group.
The government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action stemmed from incidents such as the break-in at a British air force base in June and previous actions targeting entities linked to the Israeli military. Supporters are contesting the ban in court, contending that labeling the group as a terrorist organization is an overreach by the authorities.
The arrests in London coincided with a weekend of heightened protest activities in the city, reflecting concerns over the Gaza conflict and immigration issues. While Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s intention to recognize a Palestinian state has drawn criticism from Israel, Palestinian sympathizers in the U.K. are calling for stronger action to end the conflict.
Various demonstrations are planned for the coming days, including demands for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza and protests against the housing of asylum-seekers in hotels across the country. With multiple events unfolding simultaneously, law enforcement authorities are gearing up for a demanding period in terms of maintaining public order.