More than 90 people have been arrested during a major protest in London opposing the ban on Palestine Action, despite a High Court ruling that declared the proscription unlawful.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Trafalgar Square, holding placards reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Many sat peacefully on the ground or on camping chairs as the protest unfolded.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 92 people were arrested, with those detained ranging in age from 27 to 82. Officers began making arrests shortly after 1pm, with some protesters being physically carried away from the scene.
One woman told officers during her arrest: “You could be on your way catching real criminals.”
The demonstration, organised by Defend Our Juries, marked the first large-scale protest since the High Court ruled the group’s ban unlawful earlier this year.
Despite the court ruling, police proceeded with arrests, stating that support for a proscribed organisation remains an offence under the Terrorism Act while legal proceedings continue.
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson warned ahead of the protest: “Those attending should be aware that showing support for a proscribed organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act, and we will not hesitate to act where the law is broken.”
Authorities later said they had “revised” their enforcement approach following the government’s decision to appeal the High Court ruling.
Campaigners and participants criticised the government’s position, arguing that the arrests undermine free speech and peaceful protest rights.
Qesser Zuhrah, a former prisoner linked to the group, said: “This British government is hellbent on establishing that the ones that create the weapons are not the terrorists but the ones that destroy the weapons are the terrorists, which is insane.”
Another protester, Ally, described the ban as “blatantly absurd”, adding: “It’s getting really scary about what this government is doing about free speech and the right to protest.”
The protest comes amid a wider debate about freedom of expression and policing powers in the UK. Campaign group Defend Our Juries insisted the demonstration was peaceful, stating: “Our actions are peaceful, dignified (from our side, at least) and completely nonviolent.”
The government’s appeal against the High Court decision is expected to be heard later this month, meaning the legal status of the ban remains unresolved.
As tensions continue, the case is likely to remain a focal point in discussions around protest rights, national security and civil liberties in the UK.