The Metropolitan Police has charged another 120 individuals with supporting the proscribed organisation Palestine Action, significantly escalating the legal response to recent protests in central London.
The latest charges bring the total number of people accused of supporting the banned group to 254, marking one of the largest coordinated legal actions against an organisation designated as terrorist under UK law.
August Protest Leads to Mass Arrests
The most recent suspects were apprehended following a major demonstration in Parliament Square on Saturday, August 9, where activists gathered holding placards and flags. Witnesses reported scenes of hundreds of protesters occupying the area, with some displays reading 'I am on duty to stop genocide' and 'Our right to non-violent protest'.
Police authorities confirmed they had to draw officers from other forces to establish what they described as a 'significant policing presence' during what proved to be a challenging weekend of demonstrations in the heart of the capital.
Counter terrorism investigators have confirmed that those charged will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on various dates between November 29 and December 9. If convicted, defendants could face maximum prison sentences of six months or receive permanent terrorism convictions on their records.
Police Response and Public Warning
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan issued a stern warning during the August protests, stating: 'The Met is very experienced at dealing with large-scale protests, including where the protest activity crosses into criminality, requiring arrests.'
He emphasised the seriousness of the situation, adding: 'Anyone showing support for Palestine Action can expect to be arrested. I would once again urge people to consider the seriousness of that outcome. An arrest under the Terrorism Act can have very real long-term implications - from travel, to employment, to finances.'
The police commander also noted that as seen in recent cases, 'it is very likely an arrest in these circumstances will lead to a charge.'
Protesters Speak Out
Among those participating in the August demonstration was Martin Drummond, a 76-year-old retired research scientist from Norwich, who expressed his willingness to face arrest over what he described as outrage at restrictions on free speech.
'I'm here to protect our free speech - it's absolutely crucial,' Drummond stated. 'Our forefathers fought for free speech and I'm bloody well going to defend it.'
However, the retired scientist admitted he was 'unenthusiastic' about the prospect of police detention, noting: 'I'd like to go home today. I'm not regarding it as a badge of honour. I have never supported anything like this before.'
The protests also attracted counter-demonstrators, including Jan Bowman, a 69-year-old illustrator from Scotland, who claimed pro-Palestine activists attempted to seize an anti-Hamas placard she was carrying.
'It was just so childish,' Bowman remarked. 'We have to stand up for free speech. They won't allow it, they won't debate. I'm a non Jewish supporter of Jewish people. I think Zionism is just the wish for Jewish people to have a homeland after centuries of persecution.'
Related Legal Proceedings
In a separate case heard recently, the court was told that a Palestine Action protester allegedly fractured a police officer's spine and attacked her with a sledgehammer during a raid on a Bristol weapons factory.
Samuel Corner, 23, was among a group of activists accused of crashing through a gate at the Israeli-linked firm Elbit Systems UK in Patchway on August 5 last year using an old prison van.
According to court testimony, campaigners were armed with fireworks, an axe and a paintball gun, wearing distinctive red and black jumpsuits during the incident where Police Sergeant Kate Evans suffered back injuries after being allegedly beaten with a sledgehammer by Corner.
Corner, together with five other defendants - Charlotte Head, 29, Leona Kamio, 30, Fateema Rajwani, 21, Zoe Rogers, 22, and Jordan Devlin, 31 - deny charges of aggravated burglary, criminal damage and violent disorder. Corner additionally denies causing grievous bodily harm with intent to PS Evans.
The extensive list of those charged following the August 9 demonstration includes individuals from across the UK, ranging in age from teenagers to pensioners, demonstrating the broad demographic appeal of the protest movement.
