Over 490 Arrested During Palestine Action Protest in London Despite Police Pleas

In a major display of defiance to the UK government's ban on the proscribed group Palestine Action, hundreds of protesters rallied in London, leading to the arrest of over 490 individuals. This comes even as police and the government urged the organizers to postpone the event in the wake of the recent terror attack on a synagogue in Manchester.

Background and Context

Palestine Action, a pro-Palestine action group, was proscribed as a terrorist organisation by the UK government in July. The move sparked protests, during which hundreds have been arrested for defying the ban, which makes it an offence to show support for Palestine Action. The organizers of the protest, Defend Our Juries (DOJ), rejected pleas from the Metropolitan Police to postpone the event due to concerns about diverting resources away from community protection.

Demonstrations and Arrests

The protest saw a vast crowd gathered at Trafalgar Square in central London. Activists held a silent vigil, displaying placards and unfurling banners in support of Palestine Action. Police made several arrests at the scene, including six individuals who displayed a banner on Westminster Bridge outside parliament. The youngest person arrested was 18, and the oldest was 89.

Despite the authorities' request for a postponement, the demonstrators insisted on their right to protest and expressed their support for the banned group. Activists retorted to police warnings with the statement: Don't arrest us then. They argued they were causing no obstruction, committing no act of violence, and were simply peacefully protesting against UK complicity in genocide.

Government Reactions and Future Implications

This display of defiance has not gone unnoticed by the UK government. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced new legislation to crack down on repeated demonstrations, specifically targeting pro-Palestine protesters. This move comes in the wake of the arrest of hundreds of demonstrators in London.

The home secretary's announcement adds to the growing tension between the government and the protesters, with activists arguing that cancelling the protest would let terror win. This sentiment was echoed by Defend Our Juries, which rejected the home secretary's call to abandon the planned event.

Conclusion

As it stands, nearly 300 people remain in custody, while others have been released. The incident marks one of the largest demonstrations so far against the ban on Palestine Action. Despite the government's moves to curb such protests, the defiance displayed by the protesters suggests that the issue is far from being resolved. The government's next steps in handling this situation will be closely watched by activists, legal experts, and civil rights organizations.