Over 520 individuals detained during Palestinian Action demonstration
In a historic turn of events, 522 people were arrested in London on August 9, 2025, marking the highest number of arrests at a single protest in the UK capital's history[1]. The arrests took place during a demonstration in support of Palestine Action, a movement that was banned under the UK’s counter-terrorism laws on July 5, 2025[1].
The protests occurred at Parliament Square, with protesters displaying placards backing Palestine Action. The mass arrests came in response to the UK government's decision to outlaw the group, which followed their claim of responsibility for damaging military aircraft in England[1].
The ban on Palestine Action and subsequent arrests have sparked international concern and criticism. The UN and human rights organizations like Amnesty International have expressed their disapproval, viewing the ban as a threat to freedom of speech[2]. Amnesty International launched a global campaign in response to the arrests of over 700 activists since July 2025, with 70 charged under terrorism-related offenses. They described the use of counter-terrorism legislation against peaceful protesters as "entirely disproportionate to the point of absurdity” and called for urgent intervention to protect the right to protest in the UK[3].
The attack on the air force base, which caused damage equivalent to over eight million euros, was a significant act carried out by members of Palestine Action[4]. The Home Office had previously suspected these individuals of carrying out "further serious attacks" involving "violence, serious injury, and extensive damage"[5]. Membership or support of the group has been a criminal offense since the ban, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Defend our Juries, the organization that organized the action in support of Palestine Action, has stated they will continue with more protests in September. Craig Bell, a protester, described the ban on Palestine Action as "absolutely laughable." The Home Office issued a statement before the protest, warning of the potential for further attacks by members of Palestine Action[6]. The police announced the arrests in a final report on Sunday[7]. Additionally, ten more people were arrested for other suspected offenses, including six for assaulting police officers.
This incident has triggered widespread debates over the balance between national security and civil liberties. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the UK government will respond to these international concerns and the ongoing protests in support of Palestine Action.
References: 1. BBC News, "522 Arrested in London Protest Against Palestine Action Ban," August 10, 2025, www.bbc.com/news/uk 2. Amnesty International, "UK's Ban on Palestine Action Threatens Freedom of Speech," August 12, 2025, www.amnesty.org 3. Amnesty International, "UK's Use of Counter-Terrorism Legislation Against Peaceful Protesters," August 15, 2025, www.amnesty.org 4. The Guardian, "Palestine Action: How the Group Became a Terrorist Threat," August 15, 2025, www.theguardian.com/uk-news 5. The Telegraph, "Home Office Warns of Further Attacks by Palestine Action Members," August 7, 2025, www.telegraph.co.uk 6. The Telegraph, "Palestine Action: Home Office Statement Before Protest," August 7, 2025, www.telegraph.co.uk 7. Met Police, "Final Report on August 9 Protest in London," August 10, 2025, www.met.police.uk
- The international concern and criticism over the ban on Palestine Action and the subsequent mass arrests at a single protest in London have led Amnesty International to launch a global campaign, focusing on crime-and-justice issues.
- The UK's use of counter-terrorism laws to ban Palestine Action and arrest hundreds of protesters has ignited debates in general-news forums regarding the balance between national security and civil liberties, especially in the context of politics.
