200 Backing Palestine – In one of the most significant protest crackdowns in recent UK history, UK police arrested 200 people backing the banned activist group Palestine Action during a mass demonstration in central London on Saturday. This marks the largest protest in support of the group since it was officially proscribed under the UK’s anti-terrorism laws last month.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests took place in Parliament Square, where hundreds had gathered holding placards, chanting slogans, and waving Palestinian flags to denounce the government’s decision to outlaw the controversial direct action group.
“We are confident that anyone who came to Parliament Square today to hold a placard expressing support for Palestine Action was either arrested or is in the process of being arrested,” said the Met in a statement.
While organizers claimed only a “fraction” of protesters had been detained, the Met disputed this, stating that those not visibly showing support or acting as passive onlookers were not targeted for arrest.
Why the UK Arrests 200 Backing Palestine Action Sparks Legal and Human Rights Concerns
The UK government’s ban on Palestine Action was announced in early July, just days after members of the group broke into an air force base in southern England. The raid caused £7 million ($9.3 million) worth of damage to two aircraft and spurred calls for tighter security and legal action.
According to the UK Home Office, the group has been linked to other “serious attacks” involving violence, significant injuries, and property destruction. As a result, supporting or promoting the group has now become a criminal offence under the UK’s anti-terror legislation, carrying a penalty of up to 14 years in prison.
Despite the government’s position, human rights groups and international organizations have sharply criticized the move. Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and even UN officials have warned that the ban sets a dangerous precedent for criminalizing peaceful dissent and activism.
Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty International UK, wrote to Met Police Commissioner Mark Rowley urging restraint in arresting individuals simply for holding placards or voicing support for Palestine Action.
“People have a right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression,” Deshmukh said. “Arresting individuals for merely displaying support undermines those rights and breaches international human rights law.”
Saturday’s demonstration was organized by a grassroots group called Defend Our Juries, which has previously coordinated multiple protests in opposition to the Palestine Action ban. In a post on social media, the group hailed the turnout and expressed defiance against what it sees as legal overreach.
“Unprecedented numbers risked arrest and possible imprisonment today to defend this country’s ancient liberties,” the group said. “We will keep going. Our numbers are already growing for the next wave of action in September.”
Attendees gathered near Westminster from midday, many holding signs that read “Oppose Genocide, Support Palestine Action.” Others bore more general slogans calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and denouncing UK arms exports to Israel. The mood was tense but determined, as police in riot gear moved in to arrest demonstrators.
One protester, Craig Bell, a 39-year-old psychotherapist, described the situation as “absolutely ridiculous.”
“When you compare Palestine Action with actual terrorist groups, it’s a joke that they’re being labeled the same,” he said.
Another protester, Richard Bull, 42, who uses a wheelchair, added: “Let them arrest us all. This government has gone too far. I have nothing to feel ashamed of.”
The Met Police have confirmed that this is part of a broader enforcement strategy across the UK. Since the group was proscribed on 5 July, dozens of people have been arrested for voicing support.
Earlier this week, the first three individuals were formally charged in England and Wales under anti-terror laws for supporting Palestine Action. In Scotland, which has a separate legal system, seven people have also been charged under similar provisions.
Critics argue that this aggressive use of anti-terror legislation is a disproportionate response to political activism, especially in cases where protests were non-violent.
A judicial review challenging the UK government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action is scheduled to be heard later this year. Legal experts say the outcome could have long-lasting implications on how protest groups are regulated and whether the government overstepped its constitutional authority.
As tensions escalate between civil liberties organizations and the UK government, more protests are expected in the coming weeks. Defend Our Juries has already announced plans for another mass action in September, with the goal of drawing attention to what they say is an erosion of free speech and the criminalization of activism.
Whether the government holds firm or the courts intervene remains to be seen. For now, the message is clear: UK arrests 200 backing Palestine Action is just the beginning of a deeper legal and political battle that could shape the future of protest rights in Britain.
Source- EWN
