More than 500 people were arrested at a demonstration in London on Saturday opposing the proscription of Palestine Action, following a high court ruling that the ban was unlawful. The Metropolitan police confirmed 523 arrests by midnight, with ages ranging from 18 to 87.
Hundreds gathered in Trafalgar Square, holding signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Some protesters dressed as suffragettes or wore masks of Keir Starmer. The demonstration was organised by Defend Our Juries, who criticised the arrests as “truly surreal” given the court ruling.
Police began making arrests around 1pm, with some individuals carried away. One elderly woman using walking sticks was escorted from the protest. The Met stated it had made 92 arrests by 2.50pm, but organisers argued the arrests were unlawful, citing warnings from leading lawyers.
Former Palestine Action-affiliated prisoner Qesser Zuhrah, who was on hunger strike for 48 days, said the “entire world” opposes the ban. She condemned the government for labelling those who destroy weapons as terrorists, while those who create them are not. Kamran Ahmed, who was on hunger strike for over 60 days, expressed support for “righteous people taking righteous action”.
Protesters criticised the ban as absurd and a threat to free speech. Andy Simons, 73, wore a sign reading “Free, free speech”, while Ally, 72, a sculptor, said the government is shutting down protest rights. The home secretary has been granted permission to appeal the high court’s decision, with the Met revising its enforcement approach.
