More than 500 people have been arrested at the first mass demonstration opposing the proscription of Palestine Action since the group’s ban was ruled unlawful by the high court. The Metropolitan police confirmed 523 arrests by midnight, with ages ranging from 18 to 87.
Hundreds gathered in Trafalgar Square on Saturday afternoon, holding signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Some demonstrators dressed as suffragettes or wore masks of Keir Starmer. Large banners displayed messages such as “Jurors deserve to hear the whole truth” and “Israel starves kids”.
Arrests began shortly after 1pm, with officers carrying away individuals from the edges of the demonstration. One elderly woman using walking sticks was escorted away. Organisers Defend Our Juries criticised the arrests, stating the government’s ban had been ruled unlawful and leading lawyers warned any arrests would be unlawful.
Former Palestine Action-affiliated prisoner Qesser Zuhrah, who was on hunger strike for 48 days, said the “entire world” is against the ban. She accused the government of labelling those who destroy weapons as terrorists while ignoring those who create them. Kamran Ahmed, who hunger-struck for over 60 days, said he was supporting “righteous people taking righteous action”.
Protesters expressed frustration over restrictions on free speech and protest. Andy Simons, 73, wore a sign reading “Free, free speech”. The Metropolitan police revised its enforcement approach after the home secretary was granted permission to appeal the high court’s decision.
