Over 70 individuals were arrested across the United Kingdom during protests supporting Palestine Action, a group recently designated as a terrorist organization under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000. The demonstrations took place in London, Manchester, Cardiff, and Leeds, with the majority of arrests occurring in London.
In London, the Metropolitan Police detained 42 people, all but one for showing support for a proscribed organization, which includes actions such as chanting, wearing clothing, or displaying articles like flags, signs, or logos. One individual was arrested for common assault. The protesters gathered in Parliament Square, holding signs that read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” and were confronted by police as they protested silently.
Additional arrests included 16 in Manchester and 13 in Cardiff. In Manchester, Greater Manchester Police responded to a protest in St Peter’s Square, arresting 16 individuals under the Terrorism Act 2000. South Wales Police arrested 13 people during a protest near Cardiff’s Central Square.
These protests followed the UK government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist organization earlier in the month. The designation came after activists from the group broke into the Royal Air Force base at Brize Norton on June 20, causing approximately £7 million in damage to two aircraft. The activists used red paint and crowbars in their protest against the UK’s military support for Israel amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The proscription means that membership in or support for Palestine Action is now a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. This move has sparked criticism from various quarters, with opponents arguing that the ban is a disproportionate response to the group’s actions and a threat to free speech and the right to protest.
The protests and subsequent arrests highlight the ongoing tension between the UK government’s counter-terrorism measures and the right to protest, particularly concerning issues related to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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