British Police Arrest Almost 900 People Protesting Against Palestine Action Ban

Protesters in London gathered in large numbers to demonstrate against a ban on the group Palestine Action, which has been deemed a terrorist organization by the government. The Metropolitan Police force arrested 890 people at the demonstration, most of whom were detained under the Terrorism Act for supporting a proscribed organization. The protesters claim that the ban on Palestine Action is an unwarranted curb on free speech and the right to protest, with some even being arrested for silently holding signs in support of the group.

Key Takeaways:

• Almost 900 people were arrested by British police during a protest against the ban on Palestine Action, a group deemed a terrorist organization by the government.
• The majority of those arrested, 857, were under the Terrorism Act for supporting a proscribed organization, while 33 were detained for other offenses, including 17 for assaulting police officers.
• Palestine Action has been involved in direct action protests in the UK since its formation in 2020, including breaking into facilities owned by Israeli weapons manufacturer Elbit Systems UK and targeting other sites with links to the Israeli military.
• The group has targeted defense companies and national infrastructure, causing millions of pounds in damage that affect national security.
• The ban on Palestine Action has been challenged in court, with a hearing scheduled for September 25.
• Supporters of Palestine Action claim that the ban stifles free speech and the right to protest, with some even being arrested for silently holding signs in support of the group.
• The U.N. human rights chief has criticized the British government's stance on the ban, saying it "misuses the gravity and impact of terrorism" and hinders the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms.

Statistics:

• 890 people were arrested by British police during the protest against the ban on Palestine Action.
• 857 people were detained under the Terrorism Act for supporting a proscribed organization, while 33 were detained for other offenses.
• 17 people were arrested for assaulting police officers during the protest.
• Over 700 people were arrested at earlier protests against the ban on Palestine Action.
• 138 people have been charged under the Terrorism Act for supporting Palestine Action.
• The British government has estimated that approximately 20,000 people attended a separate pro-Palestinian march in London on the same day.

Sources:

• British police statement
• Defend Our Juries campaign group
• UN human rights chief Volker Turk