London (BN24) – London’s Metropolitan Police arrested more than 466 people during a large protest on Saturday opposing Britain’s ban on the activist group Palestine Action, authorities said.
The demonstration, which took place in Parliament Square near the Houses of Parliament, drew hundreds of protesters wearing traditional Palestinian keffiyehs and waving flags. Many chanted “hands off Gaza” and carried placards reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” according to Reuters footage from the scene. Police were seen carrying away demonstrators as the crowd shouted “shame on you” at officers.
Parliament banned Palestine Action in July under anti-terrorism legislation, following a series of high-profile protests in which members broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged military aircraft. The group accuses the UK government of enabling what it calls Israeli war crimes in Gaza.
Israel has been accused of genocide by human rights organizations and at the International Court of Justice over its military campaign in Gaza, which began after a deadly October 2023 Hamas attack. Israel rejects the allegations, saying its actions are self-defense.
In a post on X, police confirmed that 466 people were detained for supporting a proscribed organization. An additional eight were arrested for unrelated offenses, including five for assaulting officers. No serious injuries were reported.
Under the ban, membership in Palestine Action is a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The group’s co-founder, Huda Ammori, recently secured court approval to challenge the government’s decision to outlaw the organization.
