On Saturday, nearly 100 pro-Palestinian protesters were arrested by London’s Metropolitan Police during a demonstration in Trafalgar Square. The activists held placards supporting Palestine Action, which was banned as a terrorist organization last July, making it illegal to support or belong to the group.
The High Court upheld the ban on Palestine Action in February, stating that it infringed upon freedom of speech rights. However, the Metropolitan Police resumed arrests after the court ruling and announced by evening they had made 92 arrests, with protesters still present.
Organizers from Defend Our Juries reported around 500 people participated in the protest, criticizing the UK government’s involvement in Israel’s actions in Gaza and the “misguided crackdown” on peaceful protest. The ban has faced significant backlash, leading a judge to postpone all trials of those charged until July 30 for review.
Palestine Action, established in 2020, aimed to end global support for Israel’s regime described as genocidal and apartheid. It targeted Israeli defense companies, notably Elbit Systems.