Dozens Arrested at London Protest Against Ban on Pro-Palestinian Group

Dozens of people were arrested in central London on Saturday during a protest against the UK government’s decision to ban the activist group Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws.

The protest, held in Parliament Square and dubbed the “Lift The Ban” rally, drew hundreds of demonstrators who oppose the government’s July proscription of Palestine Action. Many carried placards reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed that arrests were made under the Terrorism Act, which now makes it a criminal offence to support or be affiliated with the organisation. Sentences for such offences can reach up to 14 years in prison.

“If you show support for Palestine Action — an offence under the Terrorism Act — you will be arrested,” said Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan ahead of the rally.

“We have the officer numbers, custody capacity and all other resources to process as many people as is required,” he added.

While police did not provide an official number of arrests, a Reuters witness reported dozens of people being detained throughout the day.

The UK government banned Palestine Action after members of the group allegedly infiltrated a Royal Air Force base and damaged military aircraft. Officials accused the organisation of causing millions of pounds in criminal damage during its ongoing campaign targeting firms linked to the Israeli arms trade.

Palestine Action describes itself as a direct-action network opposing British involvement in what it claims are Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

Human rights organisations have criticised the ban as excessive and politically motivated, warning it may have a chilling effect on free speech and peaceful protest.

The government, however, maintains that the proscription of Palestine Action does not apply to other pro-Palestinian demonstrations, which may continue lawfully.

Palestine Action is now officially listed alongside al-Qaeda and ISIS under the UK’s list of banned terrorist organisations.