Anticipation of Mass Arrests for Pro-Palestine Protesters in London This Saturday Due to Displaying Signs
In the heart of London, this Saturday, two separate protest groups are set to rally – Palestine Action and Defend Our Juries, each with their own agenda. However, for those supporting Palestine Action, their actions carry a heavy weight under the UK's anti-terror laws.
On 5 July 2025, Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000, making it a criminal offense to be a member, fundraise for, support, or display symbols associated with the group. This unprecedented move marked the first time a direct-action activist group was banned as a terrorist organization in the UK.
The legal consequences for individuals supporting Palestine Action at protests in the UK under anti-terror laws are severe. Being a member, funding, wearing clothing indicating support, or otherwise encouraging support for Palestine Action is illegal. Supporting the group can lead to criminal charges, with fines and prison sentences, potentially up to 14 years.
Since the ban, over 220 people have been arrested for suspected offenses under the Terrorism Act related to Palestine Action, and at least 10 people have been charged. Offenders can expect to be arrested and investigated to the full extent of the law, according to Dominic Murphy, the head of the London Met's counter-terrorism branch.
The break-in at Brize Norton Royal Air Force base, which resulted in damaged aircraft and five people being charged, led to the proscription of Palestine Action. The group is accused of engaging in "extreme" actions by the UK government.
However, the proscription of Palestine Action has been met with controversy. Some argue the group was "highly unlikely" to advocate violence, and that the ban is a misuse of counter-terror legislation applied to political activism and civil disobedience. Human Rights experts and organizations have warned that the broad use of terrorism laws threatens freedom of expression and legitimate protest.
Critics of the ban argue it constitutes government overreach and restricts free speech. Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, was given permission to seek a judicial review of the ban.
As the weekend approaches, protesters are said to be gambling that officers won't intervene because it could overwhelm London's police detention system. Amnesty International is urging London officers not to engage in the mass arrest of peaceful protesters on Saturday.
In summary, under current UK law, individuals supporting Palestine Action in any way—including at protests—face criminal liability with severe penalties under anti-terrorism statutes. Expressing general support for the Palestinian cause remains legal if it does not involve support for the proscribed group itself.
- On 5th July 2025, Palestine Action was declared a terrorist organization under the UK's Terrorism Act 2000, making it unlawful to support, fundraise for, or display symbols associated with the group.
- The General-news of a gambling game by protesters, intending not to be arrested due to potential overload of London's police detention system, raises concerns about freedom of expression and peaceful protest, being a critical aspect of politics and crime-and-justice discussions.
