Demonstrators Arrested in London and Edinburgh Protests Against Palestine Action Ban
Almost 900 protesters were arrested in a central London rally opposing the UK government's decision to label Palestine Action as a terror group. The Metropolitan Police described the protest as "intolerable" after officers claimed to have suffered abuse. However, organisers disputed this, stating that the protest was peaceful and calling on the new Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, to drop the ban. Meanwhile, two men, aged 67 and 82, were arrested and charged in connection with the terrorism act in Edinburgh.
Key Takeaways:
- A total of 890 people were arrested during the London protest, with 857 for showing support for a proscribed group and 33 for assaulting police officers and other public order offences.
- The Metropolitan Police condemned the protest as "intolerable" due to the alleged abuse of officers.
- Organisers of the protest, Defend Our Juries, described the event as "the picture of peaceful protest" and called on the new Home Secretary to drop the ban.
- In Edinburgh, two men were arrested and charged in connection with the terrorism act, while a third individual was arrested and charged with a hate crime.
- Police Scotland stated that while the protests were mainly peaceful, a number of offences were identified under the Terrorism Act.
Statistics:
- 890 people were arrested during the London protest.
- 857 arrests were made for showing support for a proscribed group.
- 33 people were arrested for assaulting police officers and other public order offences.
- Two men were arrested and charged in connection with the terrorism act in Edinburgh.
- A third individual was arrested and charged with a hate crime in Edinburgh.
Sources:
- scotsman.com
- Metropolitan Police
- Defend Our Juries (DOJ)