UK Police Arrest Hundreds at Palestine Action Protest

In what is turning out to be one of the largest demonstrations relating to Palestine Action in central London, hundreds of protesters have been arrested by the Metropolitan Police. The protest was held on Saturday against the proscription of Palestine Action, a direct action group labelled as a terrorist organisation last month by the UK government.

Background

The group's proscription has led to a series of nationwide protests since the beginning of July. Supporters of Palestine Action have been actively opposing the government's decision, asserting that the legislation improperly restricts freedom of expression. Critics argue that the ban stifles freedom of speech and assembly and aims to curb pro-Palestine demonstrations.

The Protest and Arrests

Demonstrators gathered in Parliament Square from 1pm, holding handwritten signs reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” According to reports, hundreds of British demonstrators intentionally violated the new law, staging a sit-in protest with slogans like I Am Against Genocide, I Support Palestine Action.

The Metropolitan police, backed by officers brought in from forces across the country, confirmed a staggering number of arrests for alleged support of a proscribed organisation. The number of arrests varied among reports, with TASS and The Guardian indicating the beginning of arrests, Middle East Eye and The Hindu reporting at least 150 arrests, IRNA English and Al Jazeera English stating around 200 arrests, and Folha de S.Paulo mentioning over 370 arrests. However, Middle East Eye later reported a record-breaking 466 arrests.

Reactions and Implications

The mass arrests have drawn widespread criticism, with Amnesty International UK’s Chief Executive, Sacha Deshmukh expressing deep concern. “Today’s mass arrests of peaceful protesters under UK terrorism law are deeply concerning. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right. People are understandably outraged by the ongoing genocide being committed in Gaza and are entitled under international human rights law to express their horror," he said.

Adding to the voices of dissent, hundreds of British Jews have described the proscription of Palestine Action as illegitimate and unethical, in a letter addressed to Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.

Current Status

The scale of detentions appears to surpass the record set during the 1990 poll tax riots, and the operation in Parliament Square is ongoing. The Metropolitan Police have stated they have drawn in officers from other forces to help create a significant policing presence. It remains to be seen how the UK government will respond to the mounting pressure and growing criticism.