More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest
More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest
Metropolitan Police report increased arrests during demonstration
The Metropolitan Police confirmed over 200 individuals were apprehended during a rally opposing the prohibition of Palestine Action in central London. The force stated that these arrests occurred as participants expressed backing for a group designated as proscribed. Hundreds of attendees gathered in Trafalgar Square, with numerous demonstrators holding banners that read “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” a message previously seen at the group’s organized events.
Protest organized by Defend our Juries
Saturday’s demonstration, titled Everyone Day, was led by Defend our Juries. The group emphasized the protest’s goal of showing “unwaning resistance to the ban on Palestine Action.” Attendees also showcased signs advocating for the right to protest and criticizing U.S. and Israeli policies. The ban on supporting Palestine Action came into effect in July 2025, under anti-terror legislation. Despite a February ruling that deemed the ban unlawful, it remained active until an appeal was resolved.
Police strategy shifts after court decision
Following the High Court’s decision on the ban, the Met initially suggested its officers would be less likely to arrest demonstrators. However, by March, it reversed this stance, resuming actions against those supporting the group. Ahead of Saturday’s event, the police issued a warning, highlighting “criminal offences” and urging participants to consider the “potential consequences” of their attendance.
“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,” said Commander Claire Smart, overseeing policing operations in London this weekend.
Participants prepared to face legal risks
Several attendees told BBC News they were ready to accept the possibility of arrest. Among those detained was Robert Del Naja, a founding member of the band Massive Attack. He had previously stated his intention to join the protest, calling the police’s decision to resume arrests “ridiculous.” Del Naja expressed confidence that, with proper legal support, he could challenge the arrest in court, asserting it would be “unlawful.”
“I think that the actions of Palestine Action were highly patriotic because they were pretty much protecting our country from getting involved in serious war crimes, and breaking international law. How much more patriotic can you be than that?”
Genocide claims and government responses
Linda Walker, another participant, cited the ongoing genocide in Gaza as her reason for attending. “The only people [the government] are willing to take action against are the people trying to stop it,” she remarked. Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide, framing its actions in Gaza as necessary self-defense. A third protester mentioned having been arrested ten times previously, expecting a similar outcome this weekend.
Updated arrest figures and broader context
By 16:50 BST, the Met reported 212 arrests, with operations ongoing in areas where support for the banned group was evident. To date, over 2,200 individuals have been arrested for allegedly endorsing Palestine Action since its designation under the Terrorism Act 2000 by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Legal proceedings for those accused of displaying protest signs have been paused while the dispute over the group’s status continues.