Police Arrest Protesters Demonstrating Against Palestine Action Ban

Strategic Insights -

As hundreds of people gathered in Parliament Square in Westminster to express their opposition to the government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terror group, the Metropolitan Police began making arrests. The demonstration, which began at 1pm, saw supporters of Palestine Action holding up signs that read "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action" and singing pro-Palestinian chants. The government's decision to ban Palestine Action is currently being challenged in the High Court, with a court case expected later in the autumn.

Key Takeaways:

  • Over 600-700 people participated in the demonstration against the terror ban, according to the organisers.
  • The Metropolitan Police brought in officers from other forces to help deal with the protest.
  • Demonstrators were making peaceful gestures, including writing "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action" on white placards.
  • Some protesters were led away by police for carrying placards that read "Palestine Action terrorises Britain while Hamas hides in hospitals, schools and mosques".
  • The demonstration was held near the Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela statues in the square.
  • The government's proscription of Palestine Action as a terror group is being challenged in the High Court.
  • Section 13 of the Terrorism Act makes it an offence to hold up a sign or wear a t-shirt in support of a terror group.

Statistics:

  • Between 600 and 700 people participated in the demonstration against the terror ban.
  • The Metropolitan Police brought in officers from other forces to help deal with the protest.

Sources:

  • Metropolitan Police
  • Palestine Action
  • High Court of England and Wales
  • Terrorism Act 2000, Section 13