UK police arrest about 425 at protest for banned Palestine Action

LONDON: British police arrested around 425 people on Saturday (Sep 6) at a demonstration backing Palestine Action, the pro-Palestinian group banned by the government as a terrorist organisation.

Britain outlawed Palestine Action in July after some of its members broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged military planes. The group has also targeted defence firms with links to Israel, accusing the government of complicity in alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

MASS DETENTIONS

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered near parliament in London to oppose the ban, holding signs that read: "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."

Police said those detained were arrested for offences including assaulting officers and supporting a proscribed organisation. "Officers ... have been subjected to an exceptional level of abuse including punches, kicks, spitting and objects being thrown, in addition to verbal abuse," London’s Metropolitan Police wrote on X.

The proscription puts Palestine Action in the same category as al-Qaeda and ISIS, making it a crime to support or belong to the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

CRITICISM OF BAN

Human rights groups have criticised the government’s decision as disproportionate and a curb on free expression, but ministers say the group has caused millions of pounds worth of criminal damage. They stress the ban does not prevent other pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

Police have arrested hundreds of Palestine Action supporters in recent weeks, including more than 500 in a single day last month. More than 100 people have since been charged with showing support for the group.