890 Arrested in London Protest Supporting Banned “Palestine Action” Group

Kokcha News Agency – A protest organized in London’s Parliament Square by the group “Defend Our Juries” in support of the banned “Palestine Action” group resulted in the arrest of 890 individuals. The protest began at 1:00 PM local time, with demonstrators holding blank placards on which they wrote, “I am against genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

The London Metropolitan Police intervened, making arrests primarily under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which prohibits support for banned organizations. According to a police statement, “857 people were arrested for supporting Palestine Action, while 33 others were detained for offenses including assault on police officers and other public order crimes.”

This protest follows a similar demonstration on August 9, where over 500 people were arrested for supporting the same group.

Background on the Ban
“Palestine Action,” known for targeting companies doing business with Israel, was declared a terrorist organization on July 5. The move came after the group targeted two British military aircraft at the RAF Brize Norton base in Oxfordshire on June 20. Activists sprayed red paint on the aircraft and left a Palestinian flag, claiming the planes were used in Middle East operations.

Following the incident, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper introduced legislation to Parliament to designate “Palestine Action” as a terrorist organization, alongside two far-right, racist groups. The bill was approved by the House of Commons on July 2 and the House of Lords on July 3.

The group attempted to challenge the ban in the High Court, but their application was rejected on July 4. Since the ban came into effect, membership or support for “Palestine Action” can result in up to 14 years in prison, while wearing clothing or badges associated with the group can lead to six months in jail.