London police arrest hundreds at Palestine Action protest

LONDON: (Web Desk) – Police in London detained more than 500 pro-Palestinian demonstrators during a rally held in Trafalgar Square on Saturday. The protest was organized in support of the banned activist group Palestine Action, with participants staging a sit-in despite the legal risks involved.

Officers were seen removing protesters from the scene as others applauded and cheered. Many demonstrators carried signs backing Palestine Action, which made them subject to arrest under current laws.

The Metropolitan Police confirmed late at night that a total of 523 individuals, aged between 18 and 87, had been taken into custody. The group was officially designated a terrorist organization in July, meaning that supporting or being affiliated with it could lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Earlier this year, the High Court ruled that the ban interfered with freedom of speech. However, the government has since been granted permission to challenge that decision, leading police to resume arrests after briefly pausing enforcement.

Protesters remained defiant. One participant said it was vital to keep showing up and speaking out, arguing that while legal positions may shift, their moral stance remains unchanged.

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Since the ban was introduced, nearly 3,000 people have been arrested, many simply for displaying placards in support of the group. Organizers and activists argue the crackdown is excessive and undermines civil liberties.

Human rights organization Amnesty UK criticized the arrests, calling them another setback for freedoms in the country. Meanwhile, protest groups accused authorities of ignoring the High Court’s concerns and continuing with what they described as unjustified detentions.

The ban has drawn strong criticism, particularly because Palestine Action is now listed alongside groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. A judge has temporarily halted trials related to the ban, with a broader review of cases scheduled for late July.