Hundreds of people have been arrested in recent weeks for expressing support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Among those detained, half of the 532 individuals arrested at a Parliament Square protest on 9 August were aged 60 or older.
Deborah Hinton, a former magistrate and OBE recipient, was arrested at a demonstration in Cornwall on 19 July. She described the situation as 'farcical', noting that being on bail for terrorism charges seemed absurd. Hinton argued that Palestine Action is not a terrorist organisation, comparing it to direct action groups like the suffragists, and said the government's stance was 'making themselves look an absolute joke'.
Hinton stated that her generation had a duty to protest, as younger people risk their careers and international travel if arrested for terrorism offences. 'People like me, who are elderly, we can afford it,' she said. 'Young people shouldn't be doing this, we should be taking the responsibility.'
John McGowan, a Catholic priest, was also arrested at the Parliament Square protest. He urged the home secretary not to label Palestine Action members as terrorists, saying the focus should be on government inaction regarding Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. McGowan attended wearing his Roman collar and was detained alongside a Baptist minister.
The protests were organised by Defend Our Juries, a campaign group concerned about the erosion of free speech and the right to protest. Many elderly participants said they felt compelled to challenge the government's stance, with some describing the experience as terrifying but necessary.
