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Over 20 Arrested in London Protest Supporting Proscribed Group Palestine Action

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

More than 20 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police on Saturday afternoon in central London as protesters gathered to show support for Palestine Action, a now-proscribed group. The protest came after the Court of Appeal rejected the group's late-night challenge to prevent the ban, which took effect at midnight. The designation of Palestine Action as a terror group means that membership or support for the organization is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 20 people were arrested on suspicion of terror offences after protesting in support of Palestine Action in Parliament Square, London.
  • The Metropolitan Police responded to the demonstration and made arrests, with officers taking people into custody.
  • Palestine Action is a proscribed group, and expressing support for them is a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
  • The group was designated as a terror organization after police said two Voyager aircraft were damaged at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, an incident claimed by Palestine Action, which caused around £7 million of damage.
  • The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action on June 23, stating that the vandalism of the two planes was "disgraceful" and that the group had a "long history of unacceptable criminal damage".
  • MPs in the Commons voted 385 to 26 in favour of proscribing the group on Wednesday, before the House of Lords backed the move without a vote on Thursday.
  • Four people have been charged in connection with the incident at RAF Brize Norton and appeared at Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday.
  • The protest started at around 1.10pm, with officers taking people away shortly after 1.30pm, and chants of "shame" broke out directed at the police after they dispersed.

Statistics:

  • Over 20 people have been arrested on suspicion of terror offences.
  • Palestine Action's designation as a terror group means that membership or support for the organization is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
  • The vandalism of the two planes at RAF Brize Norton caused around £7 million of damage.
  • MPs in the Commons voted 385 to 26 in favour of proscribing the group on Wednesday.
  • Four people have been charged in connection with the incident at RAF Brize Norton.
  • The protest started at around 1.10pm, with chants of "shame" breaking out after officers dispersed.

Sources:

  • Metropolitan Police (@MetPolice) on X: "Officers are responding to a protest in support of Palestine Action in Parliament Square. The group is now proscribed and expressing support for them is a criminal offence. Arrests are being made."
  • Metropolitan Police (@MetPolice) on X: "UPDATE: Officers have arrested more than 20 people on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000. They have been taken into custody."
  • PA Reporters: "Over 20 arrested in London protest supporting proscribed group Palestine Action"
  • Home Secretary Yvette Cooper: "I have announced plans to proscribe Palestine Action after the vandalism of the two planes at RAF Brize Norton was described as 'disgraceful' and the group had a 'long history of unacceptable criminal damage'".
  • PA Reporters: "Four people charged in connection with RAF Brize Norton vandalism appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court"

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