Demonstration Arrests: Over 200 Individuals Detained During Pro-Palestinian Group's Unlawful Protest in London - Police in London detained approximately 200 individuals during a protest for a pro-Palestinian group deemed illegal.
Pro-Palestinian Protests in London Met with Mass Arrests Under Anti-Terror Laws
In a controversial move, the Metropolitan Police arrested over 500 individuals during recent pro-Palestinian protests in London, citing support for the proscribed terrorist organisation, Palestine Action, as the reason.
The UK government officially designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation in early July 2025, following the group's involvement in illegal activities such as a break-in at a Royal Air Force base and vandalism of military aircraft, causing damage estimated at over eight million euros.
The ban on Palestine Action has been met with criticism from the UN and human rights organisations like Amnesty International, who view it as a threat to freedom of speech. However, the police's designation and response to these protests as linked to terrorism were based on the legal status of Palestine Action under UK law.
Protests in support of Palestine Action, including displaying placards with messages like "stand against genocide, support Palestine Action," were in violation of the ban, which equates public support for Palestine Action with supporting terrorism, making the protests illegal under UK law.
The police stated their intention to arrest anyone showing support for Palestine Action, emphasising the operation was law enforcement of the UK’s anti-terror legislation, not arbitrary labeling. Protest organisers contested the law as an infringement on free speech and intended the protest to challenge the practical enforcement of the ban.
Despite the mass arrests, the protesters remained undeterred, with Richard Bull, a 42-year-old protester, stating "Let them arrest us all." Defend Our Juries have also stated that there are more interested parties for the next wave of protests in September.
Membership or support of Palestine Action has been a criminal offence since July 5, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The government's designation of Palestine Action is based on their actions such as infiltrating an air force base in southern England and spraying planes with red paint.
It is important to note that numerous arrests at pro-Palestinian protests in London have occurred in recent weeks, highlighting the ongoing tension and controversy surrounding these issues.
References: 1. BBC News 2. The Guardian 3. Amnesty International
The controversial mass arrests of over 500 individuals during pro-Palestinian protests in London are part of the UK's employment policy, as they are enforcing the anti-terror laws under the general-news category of crime-and-justice. The UK government's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation is a key component of the community policy, given its involvement in illegal activities and subsequent ban.
