Riots in London: Over 100 Individuals Detained During Anti-Israel Protests
In a significant turn of events, over 500 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police during a demonstration in London on August 10-11, 2025. This marked the largest number of arrests at a single event since 1961 [1][2]. The protest, organized by campaign group Defend Our Juries and held in Parliament Square, was in support of the recently banned group Palestine Action [3].
The arrests were made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which criminalizes support for proscribed organizations, with Palestine Action designated a terror group in July 2025 following their direct actions against military targets to oppose UK support for Israel [1][2]. The ban on Palestine Action is currently subject to a judicial review expected in November 2025, which could potentially reverse the proscription [1].
The protest was largely peaceful, with demonstrators holding signs stating "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have condemned the arrests as “deeply concerning,” highlighting the enforcement against peaceful expression [1][2]. Organizers from Defend Our Juries framed the state response as excessive and ultimately showing police unable to manage the scale of protest [1][2].
Among those arrested were elderly activists, NHS staff, Quakers, and a blind wheelchair user. Others who refused to provide personal details were taken into custody [1]. Hundreds of participants displayed placards stating, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." [1].
Police reported an additional 7 detentions for offenses unrelated to the protest, including 5 cases of assaulting officers [1]. Those whose identities could be confirmed during processing were released on bail, with conditions prohibiting them from attending future events linked to Palestine Action [1].
The coordinated action began shortly after 1 p.m. when protesters simultaneously raised their placards [1]. Their court appearances are scheduled for September 16 [1]. None of the assaulted officers sustained serious injuries during the protest [1].
The ban on Palestine Action faces a legal challenge in November, after the High Court approved a full judicial review requested by the group's co-founder, Huda Ammori [1]. If the ban is overturned, there is legal uncertainty whether the arrests made under the current designation will also be considered unlawful [1]. This mass arrest highlights tensions in UK public security law where anti-terrorism measures intersect with political protest rights, with significant debate over proportionality and freedom of expression [1][2].
Sources:
[1] BBC News. (2025, August 12). Mass arrests at London protest against Palestine Action. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62545922
[2] The Guardian. (2025, August 11). Over 500 arrested at London protest supporting Palestine Action. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/11/over-500-arrested-at-london-protest-supporting-palestine-action
[3] The Independent. (2025, August 11). Over 500 people arrested at London protest supporting Palestine Action. Retrieved from https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/over-500-people-arrested-london-protest-palestine-action-b2156409.html
- The protests led by Defend Our Juries in Parliament Square, which took place on August 10-11, 2025, were centered around the political issue of general-news, as the demonstrators supported the recently banned group Palestine Action.
- The arrests made during the aforementioned demonstration, totaling over 500 individuals, were under the Terrorism Act 2000, with the target organization, Palestine Action, designated as a terror group, highlighting the intersection of anti-terrorism measures and political protest rights.
