Dozens arrested by UK police during the most recent protest for the banned Palestine Action
Hundreds more were detained by British police on Saturday for protesting in favor of Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian group that the government has designated a terrorist organization, in accordance with anti-terrorism laws.
Following an incident in July where some of Palestine Action’s members broke into a Royal Air Force facility and damaged military aircraft, Britain outlawed the organization under anti-terrorism laws. The organization claims that Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza and charges the British government with involvement.
In recent weeks, police have detained hundreds of Palestine Action supporters under anti-terrorism laws, including more than 500 in a single day last month, many of whom were over 60.
In central London, hundreds of protesters gathered in front of parliament on Saturday to voice their opposition to the ban. Many of them carried posters that read, “I oppose genocide.” “I am in favor of Palestine Action.”
Those who expressed support for Palestine Action were being arrested, according to London’s Metropolitan Police. A Reuters witness reported that dozens of people were taken into custody, however police did not disclose the number of arrests.
By making it illegal to support or be a member of Palestine Action, the group is placed with al-Qaeda and ISIS and faces a maximum 14-year prison sentence.
In a statement on Friday, Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan stated, “I can be clear: if you show support for Palestine Action – an offense under the Terrorism Act – you will be arrested.” “We have the officer numbers, custody capacity and all other resources to process as many people as is required.”
The move by Britain to ban the group has been criticized by human rights organizations as being out of context and restricting the freedom of expression of nonviolent demonstrators.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue despite the prohibition, according to the government, which has accused Palestine Action of inflicting criminal damage worth millions of pounds.
