Over 50 Arrested in London for Supporting Banned Group Palestine Action

More than 50 people were arrested in central London on Saturday for demonstrating in support of Palestine Action, a group recently designated a terrorist organization in the UK.

Protests took place in several cities across the country, including Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Truro. The largest gathering occurred in Parliament Square, Westminster, where demonstrators held signs reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed on X that 55 individuals were detained in London under Section 13 of the UK’s Terrorism Act for displaying placards supporting the proscribed group. Violating this section of the law can result in up to six years in prison.

In Truro, Cornwall, eight more protesters were arrested, with additional detentions reported in Manchester.

The protests were organized by the group Defend Our Juries, which said prior to Saturday’s events that at least 120 people across the UK had already been arrested for backing Palestine Action.

The Home Office banned Palestine Action following a June 20 break-in at RAF Brize Norton, where activists allegedly caused £7 million ($9.38 million) in damage to military aircraft.

Under the ban, membership or direct support for Palestine Action is now punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Even displaying the group’s name on clothing could lead to a six-month jail term.

A High Court hearing on the legality of the ban is scheduled for Monday, where permission for a judicial review will be considered.