UK Police Arrest Over 500 Protesters Supporting Palestine Action Despite Court Ruling

More than 500 protesters were arrested in London's Trafalgar Square during a demonstration against the ban on Palestine Action.

The protest was organized by Defend Our Juries to demonstrate resistance to the ban.

Al Jazeera

Police had initially paused arrests after a High Court ruled the ban unlawful, but resumed them after the government was allowed to appeal.

Among those arrested was Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack, who called Palestine Action's actions highly patriotic.

The ban, imposed in July 2025, placed Palestine Action on the same list as al-Qaeda and Hezbollah.

The High Court ruled that the government's ban on Palestine Action was disproportionate and in breach of freedom of expression.

The court found that a very small number of activities constituted acts of terrorism.

Al Jazeera

The ruling was a setback for the Labour government of Keir Starmer.

More than 2,700 people had been detained since the ban took effect.

The government announced it would appeal the ruling.

Palestine Action was proscribed in July 2025 after members broke into a Royal Air Force base.

“London police arrest 212 people at protest over Palestine Action ban LONDON, April 11 (Reuters) - Police said on Saturday they had arrested 212 people at a protest in London's Trafalgar Square opposing Britain's banning of the Palestine Action group”

Al-Monitor

The proscription made it illegal to belong to or express support for the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Since the ban, hundreds of activists have been arrested at protests, many elderly.

The Met Police's reversal on arrests came despite the High Court ruling the ban unlawful.

The government's appeal is scheduled for April 28 and 29.