More than 425 people were arrested on Saturday at the largest demonstration yet opposing the government's proscription of Palestine Action. Organisers Defend Our Juries said 1,500 sign-holders gathered in Parliament Square for the fresh protest against the ban. At the previous major demonstration last month, 532 people were arrested.
The Metropolitan police said its officers had been punched, kicked, spat on and had objects thrown at them. Deputy assistant commissioner Claire Smart said: 'It is intolerable that those whose job it is to enforce the law and keep people safe should be subject to this level of abuse.' Defend Our Juries disputed this, accusing officers of violently assaulting peaceful protesters, including the elderly, and shared video of officers shoving people to the ground.
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said the ban was impossible to enforce and a preposterous waste of resources. 'The terrorism laws were not designed to be wielded against a domestic protest group, or to arrest thousands across civil society for holding cardboard signs.'
The demonstration remained largely peaceful, although there were clashes on the outskirts of the square. Officers drew batons and forced their way through crowds. One protester was seen with blood streaming down his face, and several were knocked to the ground. Two elderly people on mobility scooters were taken into police vans while officers faced chants of 'shame on you'.
Among those taking part was Steve Masters, 55, a former RAF aircraft technician who wore his service medals. He said: 'I’m here because I oppose genocide and I also oppose the government’s overreach in proscribing Palestine Action. They’ve lowered the bar of what terrorism is and almost made it meaningless.' Judith Gradwell, 80, also held a sign reading 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action' and said she was unafraid of being arrested. She called the ban 'ridiculous'.
Protesters were instructed to withhold their details from officers to force mass processing at police stations, making it 'practically impossible' to arrest everyone, organisers said. Masters planned to do so, acknowledging officers were in a 'difficult position' but adding he had no sympathy. Gradwell, who brought sandwiches in her backpack, also planned to withhold her details.
