Dozens Arrested in UK Protests Supporting Proscribed Group Palestine Action

Strategic Insights -

Dozens of protesters were arrested in multiple locations across the UK, including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Truro, as they expressed support for the proscribed group Palestine Action. The demonstrations, coordinated by Defend Our Juries, resulted in 55 arrests in Parliament Square under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000. Eight more people were arrested near Truro Cathedral in Cornwall after ignoring police advice to remove placards in support of Palestine Action. This comes ahead of a High Court hearing where Palestine Action's co-founder, Huda Ammori, will challenge the Home Secretary's decision to ban the group under anti-terror laws.

Key Takeaways:

  • 55 people were arrested in Parliament Square, London, under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying placards in support of Palestine Action.
  • Eight people were arrested near Truro Cathedral in Cornwall for similar reasons, with two men and six women being taken into police custody.
  • The Metropolitan Police stated that 70 people were arrested at similar demonstrations in Parliament Square over the past two weekends.
  • Protesters held placards with the message "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" before being asked to remove them by police.
  • Palestine Action's co-founder, Huda Ammori, is set to challenge the Home Secretary's decision to ban the group under anti-terror laws in a High Court hearing tomorrow.
  • The ban on Palestine Action makes membership or support for the group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Statistics:

  • 55 people were arrested in Parliament Square
  • 70 people were arrested at similar demonstrations in Parliament Square over the past two weekends
  • 8 people were arrested near Truro Cathedral in Cornwall
  • £7 million worth of damage was caused by an incident claimed by Palestine Action last June
  • 2 men and 6 women were arrested on suspicion of offences under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000

Sources:

  • Devon and Cornwall Police
  • Metropolitan Police