Central London witnessed dramatic scenes on Saturday as police methodically arrested peaceful protesters, including the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, during a demonstration against the proposed terror listing of Palestine Action.
Silent Protest Meets Forceful Response
In Tavistock Square Gardens, approximately 100 demonstrators sat in silent protest, holding signs declaring "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." The peaceful gathering took a dramatic turn when police officers began systematically arresting participants, many of whom were elderly.
The police presence was substantial, with officers appearing to outnumber protesters and at least 15 police vans stationed in surrounding streets. Over the course of an hour and a half, most arrested protesters were carried out of the square - a particularly striking image as one young woman's feet dragged along the ground while being transported by two officers.
A Personal Stand Against Injustice
Among those arrested was 67-year-old Carolyn Gelenter, an Australian living in London and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor. This marked her second arrest for supporting the proscribed Palestine Action group. Before her arrest, she told PA News Agency: "As a Jew, and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I just feel I cannot stand by and watch this happening."
Ms Gelenter, who wore a sign around her neck identifying her as a Holocaust survivor's daughter, expressed deep concern about the "erosion of our democratic rights," specifically mentioning the right to free speech, peaceful protest, and free assembly. She emphasised: "It feels really worrying what's going on in this country, let alone what's going on in Gaza and the West Bank. I can't be a bystander."
Contrasting Police Approaches Across UK
While London police took decisive action, a simultaneous demonstration in Belfast saw a different approach. Between 60 to 80 activists gathered near the city's main court buildings, with approximately 15-20 holding identical placards. The Police Service of Northern Ireland maintained a low-key presence, observing from a distance without intervention during the hour-long event.
This contrasting response highlights the varying approaches to protest management across different UK jurisdictions. Organisers Defend Our Juries pointed out that police failed to arrest 95 people at a similar protest the previous week, suggesting this "demonstrates that the proscription is unenforceable."
Another veteran protester, 68-year-old Gil Murray from Norwich, was arrested for the sixth time over supporting Palestine Action. He drew parallels with World War II values, stating: "We all know genocide is wrong. In the Second World War, we fought a war against this sort of thing... I just cannot believe how attitudes have changed."
Legal Background and Ongoing Battle
The protest responds to the government's July 5 ban on Palestine Action, which made membership or support for the direct action 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.
Legal challenges are underway, with co-founder Huda Ammori taking action against former home secretary Yvette Cooper's decision to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws. A further court hearing is scheduled for next week.
As surrounding demonstrators clapped for those being arrested and shouted "Shame on the police," the event highlighted growing tensions between protest rights and government security measures in contemporary Britain.
