Massive Attack Frontman Detained in Central London Demonstration
Robert Del Naja, the renowned musician and founding member of the band Massive Attack, was arrested in central London on Saturday, 11 April 2026. The arrest occurred during a large-scale protest in Trafalgar Square, organised to oppose the ban on the activist group Palestine Action.
Details of the Arrest and Protest
Del Naja, widely known by his stage name 3D, was taken into custody by Metropolitan Police officers on suspicion of showing support for a proscribed organisation. At the time of his detention, he was holding a sign that explicitly stated: “I Oppose Genocide, I Support Palestine Action”.
Prior to his arrest, Del Naja spoke to the Press Association, expressing his views on the matter. He described the activities of Palestine Action as patriotic and indicated his readiness to legally challenge any arrest in court. Following his detention, he was carried away by police officers, during which he asserted that he believed his arrest was unlawful.
Police Confirmation and Scale of the Demonstration
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a total of 212 arrests were made at the Trafalgar Square demonstration. All individuals were detained on the same suspicion of showing support for a proscribed organisation. The protest drew significant attention, with activists gathering to voice their opposition to the government's ban on Palestine Action.
This incident highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding pro-Palestinian activism in the UK and the legal boundaries of protest. Del Naja's involvement as a high-profile figure in the music industry adds a notable dimension to the event, potentially influencing public discourse on civil liberties and political expression.
