More than 500 people were arrested at a demonstration in London on Saturday opposing the proscription of Palestine Action, the first mass protest since the group’s ban was ruled unlawful by the High Court. Hundreds gathered in Trafalgar Square, displaying signs such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” The Metropolitan Police confirmed 523 arrests by midnight, with ages ranging from 18 to 87.
Some demonstrators dressed as suffragettes or wore masks bearing the face of Keir Starmer. Organisers Defend Our Juries criticised the arrests, noting that the government’s ban had been ruled unlawful and that leading lawyers warned such arrests would be unlawful. Qesser Zuhrah, a former Palestine Action-affiliated prisoner who went on hunger strike for 48 days, said the “entire world” opposes the ban.
The police began making arrests shortly after 1pm, with officers seen carrying people away from the demonstration. One elderly woman using two walking sticks was escorted away, and a female protester told officers: “You could be on your way catching real criminals.” By 2.50pm, 92 arrests had been made.
Kamran Ahmed, who was on hunger strike for over 60 days, said he was there to support “righteous people taking righteous action”. Ally, a 72-year-old sculptor, called the proscription “blatantly absurd” and expressed concern about curbs on free speech. Andy Simons, 73, wore a sign reading “Free, free speech” and emphasised the importance of non-violent protest.
The Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has been granted permission to appeal against the High Court’s decision. Following the ruling, the Met initially said it would stop arresting people under the Terrorism Act for such offences but later revised its approach after the appeal was permitted.
