West Midlands Police have made 25 arrests under the Terrorism Act during a demonstration in Birmingham's Chamberlain Square where participants displayed signs expressing support for the proscribed organisation Palestine Action.
Widespread Demonstrations Across UK
The Saturday afternoon protest was organised by the group Defend Our Juries, which coordinated demonstrations in 10 British towns and cities. According to the organisers, these events represented "the most widespread wave of civil disobedience in modern UK history" with 636 arrests made during their 12-day campaign duration.
Police forces in other cities also took action, with 30 people arrested in Bristol and 10 in Norwich on suspicion of terror offences related to showing support for Palestine Action. The group claimed there have been 2,717 "Lift the Ban sign-holding arrests" since Palestine Action was proscribed in July.
Contrasting Police Responses
Defend Our Juries noted that police in Edinburgh and Exeter chose not to arrest protesters holding signs. The group shared footage from Exeter showing a Devon and Cornwall Police officer using a megaphone to warn participants that "by holding a sign supporting the Palestine Action Group, you are currently committing an offence under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act."
When the officer asked what might persuade demonstrators to cooperate, one man responded "come and join us." A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries stated that the ban has proven "unenforceable" in several locations where police chose not to arrest peaceful sign-holders.
Police Statement on Birmingham Arrests
Chief Inspector James Littlehales of West Midlands Police explained their position: "We fully recognise people's right to demonstrate peacefully, and many people continue to protest in support of Palestine without breaking the law. But we will take appropriate action where people are breaching the law by showing support for proscribed organisations."
In Norwich, ten people were arrested for suspected terror offences after allegedly holding Palestine Action placards. They were detained on suspicion of displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation and taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
Superintendent Terry Lordan of Norfolk Constabulary stated: "As we have seen throughout the summer, officers will always work to protect the democratic right to assembly and facilitate peaceful protest. Our role as a police force is to prevent disorder, damage and disruption in the local community."
Meanwhile, a separate London march organised by the Palestine Coalition drew an estimated 100,000 participants according to organisers, with the Metropolitan Police making only one arrest for affray during that event.
