Multitudes detained in London for backing Palestine Activist Group

Multitudes detained in London for backing Palestine Activist Group

Palestine Action Protesters Arrested in Central London

Following the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in the UK under the Terrorism Act 2000, over 365 people were arrested in central London on Saturday for openly supporting the group [1][2]. The ban means that being a member of Palestine Action, expressing support for it, or wearing items associated with it are criminal offenses, potentially leading to fines or prison sentences of up to 14 years [3].

The proscription followed a series of incidents, including the breaking into and vandalizing RAF military aircraft at Brize Norton airbase by members of Palestine Action [2]. However, official documents reveal that the UK government struggled to produce evidence that the group posed a national security threat and was “highly unlikely” to advocate violence [1][3].

The arrests included a diverse range of individuals, from peaceful protesters holding placards to former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg, NHS workers, Quakers, and a blind wheelchair user [1][4]. The Metropolitan Police warned people all week to expect to be arrested for supporting Palestine Action.

The Home Office representative stated that the proscription of Palestine Action does not affect the freedom to protest on Palestinian rights, and the decision to proscribe was based on strong security advice and the unanimous recommendation by the expert cross-government proscription review group [1][2]. The Home Office also emphasized that freedom to protest is a cornerstone of their democracy and they protect it fiercely.

Numerous civil liberties groups, including Amnesty International and Liberty, have condemned the ban, warning it risks suppressing free speech and misuses counter-terrorism laws that do not align with international standards defining terrorism narrowly as involving violence or threats to life [2][3]. The UN Human Rights Chief described the UK government’s proscription as a disturbing misuse of counter-terrorism legislation [3].

The protest was an escalation of the Lift The Ban campaign designed to end the terror ban on Palestine Action and to persuade the UK government to acknowledge Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide. Up to 600 people attended the demonstration, with many protesters holding placards reading: "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action" [4]. Protesters chanted "shame on you" and "hands off Gaza".

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also condemned the Israeli occupation of Gaza and warned of 'catastrophic consequences' [4]. The representative for Defend Our Juries stated that unprecedented numbers came out to protest, risking arrest and possible imprisonment.

In a significant development, the co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, has won a bid to bring a legal challenge against the ban [1]. The court case is expected to shed light on the legality of the proscription and the impact on freedom of speech.

This news serves as a reminder of the ongoing debate surrounding the proscription of Palestine Action and the balance between national security and civil liberties in the UK.

[1] The Guardian. (2025). Palestine Action protesters arrested in central London. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/jul/10/palestine-action-protesters-arrested-in-central-london

[2] BBC News. (2025). Palestine Action proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-59215224

[3] Amnesty International. (2025). UK: Proscription of Palestine Action violates human rights. [online] Available at: https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2025/07/uk-proscription-of-palestine-action-violates-human-rights/

[4] Sky News. (2025). Palestine Action protesters arrested in London. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/palestine-action-protesters-arrested-in-london-12370405

1. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) expressed its condemnation of the Israeli occupation of Palestine, warning of potential catastrophic consequences.
2. In a significant move, the co-founder of Palestine Action, Huda Ammori, has initiated a legal challenge against the group's proscription, aiming to scrutinize its legality and its impact on freedom of speech.
3. The ongoing proscription of Palestine Action has sparked an intense debate in the UK, with numerous civil liberties groups expressing concerns that it unjustly suppresses free speech and misuses counter-terrorism laws broader than international standards defining terrorism.

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