890 Arrests at London Palestine Protest

Protests in London Over Banning of Palestine Action

A significant number of demonstrators were arrested during a protest in central London, where thousands gathered to voice their opposition to the designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group. According to the Metropolitan Police, nearly 900 individuals were taken into custody during the rally held in Parliament Square, Westminster, on Saturday. The event drew an estimated 1,500 participants, who came together to express their concerns over the ban.

The police force described the actions of some protesters as “intolerable,” claiming that officers faced abuse and hostility during the demonstration. However, the organizers of the protest, the campaign group Defend Our Juries (DOJ), maintained that the event was a peaceful gathering, with attendees sitting and holding signs. They urged the new Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, to reconsider the ban, calling it “unenforceable.”

Arrests and Charges

In total, 890 people were arrested during the event, with 857 individuals charged for showing support for a proscribed group. Additionally, 33 arrests were made for assaulting police officers and other public order offenses. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart emphasized that the violence observed during the operation was coordinated, with many participants wearing masks to hide their identities. She stated that the police had begun securing charges against those involved.

Smart also highlighted the contrast between this protest and others, such as the Palestine Coalition march attended by around 20,000 people. She noted that while it is possible to support a cause without breaking the law or resorting to violence, the actions at this particular event were different.

Reactions from Organizers and Officials

In response to the arrest numbers, a spokesperson for DOJ criticized the enforcement of the ban, stating that the high number of arrests made the ban seem unenforceable. They argued that the arrests included ordinary citizens, including vicars, priests, war veterans, and healthcare workers, many of whom were elderly or disabled. The spokesperson suggested that the new Home Secretary should reevaluate the decision, which they referred to as a “poll tax moment” that has drawn international condemnation.

The spokesperson also addressed the Metropolitan Police’s claims, suggesting that these were an attempt to deflect attention from the embarrassment caused by Sir Mark Rowley’s previous pledge to arrest anyone holding a sign supporting Palestine Action.

Government Stance and Legal Challenges

On Sunday, Defence Secretary John Healey stated that Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood would maintain a tough stance on Palestine Action, similar to her predecessor Yvette Cooper. He emphasized the importance of enforcing the law and ensuring that there are consequences for breaking it. He acknowledged the public's concern for the situation in Gaza but stressed that supporting a proscribed group is not necessary for expressing that concern.

Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, strongly disputed the government’s claims, calling them “plainly defamatory.” She mentioned that she is seeking legal advice regarding potential defamation claims. Ammori pointed out that the government has not provided evidence to support its assertion that Palestine Action planned future violence. She also noted that the government’s own intelligence assessment indicated that the group did not advocate or glorify violence.

Additional Demonstrations and Legal Proceedings

Protesters also gathered in Belfast and Edinburgh, where separate demonstrations took place. In Scotland, two men, aged 67 and 82, were arrested and charged with terror offenses, while a third man, 63, was charged with a hate crime following protests.

During the London rally, tensions escalated, leading to violent clashes. Protesters chanted anti-police slogans, referencing former officer Wayne Couzens. Officers used batons and engaged in confrontations with demonstrators, resulting in injuries and a crowd crush.

Palestine Action was banned as a terrorist organization in July after the group claimed responsibility for damaging two Voyager planes at RAF Brize Norton. The Home Office plans to appeal a High Court ruling that allows Huda Ammori to continue her legal challenge against the group’s ban. Ammori filed a lawsuit against the Home Office over then-home secretary Yvette Cooper’s decision to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws, which made membership or support for the group a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.