UK Police Arrest Over 500 Pro-Palestinian Protesters Supporting Palestine Action
Key Takeaways
- 523 people arrested at Trafalgar Square protest in support of Palestine Action.
- Protest followed Britain's ban on Palestine Action after a February High Court ruling.
- Ages of those arrested ranged from 18 to 87.
Mass Arrests in London
Police in London arrested more than 500 pro-Palestinian protesters during a sit-down demonstration in Trafalgar Square.
“In Pictures Police in London have arrested more than 500 pro-Palestinian protesters supporting the Palestine Action group during a sit-down demonstration in Trafalgar Square”
The Metropolitan Police confirmed 523 arrests of people aged 18 to 87.
The High Court overturned the ban in mid-February citing free speech concerns, but the government appealed.
Protesters held placards reading 'I oppose genocide; I support Palestine Action.'
Defend Our Juries stated hundreds participated to oppose the UK Government's complicity in Israel's genocide in Gaza.
Amnesty International UK condemned the arrests as yet another blow to civil liberties.
Legal and Political Battle
Six Palestine Action activists face a retrial after being acquitted in February.
The jury has not been notified about the terrorist designation.
Activists will be prohibited from telling jurors how their efforts sought to impede the Gaza genocide.
The prosecution followed a meeting between government officials and counter-terror officers.
Those officials admitted the group’s activities were mostly confined to criminal damage, not terrorism.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper committed contempt of court.
Massive Attack Frontman Arrested
Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack was among those arrested at the London protest.
“More than 500 arrests at Palestine Action protest More than 500 people were arrested during a demonstration against the ban on Palestine Action in central London, the Metropolitan Police have said”
He said police making that U-turn to arrest people again was ridiculous.
He told the Press Association that the actions of Palestine Action were highly patriotic.
The band has been outspoken in its anti-Israel politics for years.
Del Naja wrote that most people felt like they were gradually going mad.
The arrest added international attention to the controversy over the Palestine Action ban.
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