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Police Arrest 200 in London Protest Supporting Banned Group Palestine Action

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Parliament Square in central London on Saturday, organised by Defend Our Juries, to show support for Palestine Action, a group banned by the Home Secretary last month. The Metropolitan Police arrested 200 people for expressing support for the group, with four additional arrests for assaulting officers. The protesters, who remained largely silent, carried placards with messages such as "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" and "Palestine Action terrorises Britain while Hamas hides in hospitals, schools and mosques". As the police made arrests, onlookers applauded the protesters and shouted "Shame on you" at the officers.

Key Takeaways:

  • 200 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police for expressing support for Palestine Action, a group banned by the Home Secretary last month.
  • Four additional arrests were made for assaulting officers during the protest.
  • The protesters, who remained largely silent, carried placards with messages such as "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" and "Palestine Action terrorises Britain while Hamas hides in hospitals, schools and mosques".
  • The Metropolitan Police will arrest anyone expressing support for Palestine Action, according to a statement from Scotland Yard.
  • Those arrested by the Metropolitan Police were taken to prisoner processing points in the Westminster area, and those whose details could be confirmed were bailed, with conditions not to attend any further protest in support of Palestine Action.
  • Those whose details were refused, or could not be verified, were taken to custody suites across London.
  • The ban on Palestine Action is punishable by up to 14 years in prison under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Statistics:

  • 200 people were arrested by the Metropolitan Police for expressing support for Palestine Action.
  • Four additional arrests were made for assaulting officers during the protest.
  • Hundreds of protesters gathered in Parliament Square on Saturday.
  • 303 people have been arrested in the wave of Defend Our Juries protests across the UK since the ban was implemented by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper last month.

Sources:

  • Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) on Twitter, August 9, 2025.
  • Home Office spokesperson, quoted in the Metropolitan Police statement.
  • PA Wire, credited in the article with photographs of the protest.

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