Metropolitan Police arrest 325 at London protest against Palestine Action ban

London police detained 325 people during a demonstration at the U.S. Embassy on Saturday as protesters gathered to oppose the UK government's ban on the group Palestine Action.

The Metropolitan Police reported that 320 of those detained in Battersea were held for allegedly expressing support for an organization banned under the Terrorism Act. Protesters were seen holding signs reading "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" and chanting for Palestinian freedom. While early police statements cited by CBS News noted 48 arrests while the event was ongoing, The Guardian later reported the total figure had risen to 325 by Sunday.

The demonstration took place ahead of a Supreme Court hearing scheduled for Wednesday. The court will determine if the proscription of Palestine Action constitutes a disproportionate interference with freedom of speech and protest. According to The Guardian, the High Court previously ruled the ban unlawful, but that decision was later overturned by the Court of Appeal.

A similar vigil was held outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh. Police Scotland reported no arrests during the event but stated they are reviewing evidence to identify individuals seen wearing T-shirts or carrying banners supporting a proscribed organization. CBS News noted that the U.S. government designated Palestine Action as a terror group in August, following the UK's ban in July 2023.

Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband recently commented on the criminalization of protesters, stating it was not the government's intent to target "elderly people, vicars and grannies" for holding placards. Approximately 2,500 people have been charged under the Terrorism Act since the group was outlawed, though The Guardian reports that all trials are currently postponed until the Supreme Court issues a definitive ruling.

Background

Palestine Action was founded in 2020 with the goal of disrupting UK military support for Israel. The group has previously claimed responsibility for damaging an Elbit Systems factory and a Royal Air Force base, leading to its designation as a terrorist organization by the UK government last year.