Police have confirmed that 47 people were arrested during a protest in London supporting the banned group Palestine Action. The demonstration took place outside the Ministry of Justice building in Westminster on Thursday afternoon, where activists sat with cardboard signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
Some protesters carried Palestine flags before Metropolitan Police officers began detaining individuals. The protest was the latest in a series of demonstrations since Palestine Action was proscribed on July 5, making membership or support for the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The ban followed alleged attacks on an Israel-based defence firm’s UK site and two planes at RAF Brize Norton.
Co-founder Huda Ammori is challenging the decision by former home secretary Yvette Cooper to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws. A further court hearing is scheduled for late November.
Scotland Yard also announced that an additional 120 people have been charged with showing support for Palestine Action following a demonstration in Parliament Square on August 9. This brings the total number of charges for the offence in London to 254. Those recently charged are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court between November 24 and December 9.
