More than 100 people have been arrested in the United Kingdom for protesting the decision to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation. On Saturday, pro-Palestine activists held demonstrations in London, Edinburgh, Manchester, Bristol, and Truro. According to the Met Police, 55 people were arrested on suspicion of terrorism offences for holding Palestine Action placards during the largest of the Westminster demonstrations. Following a break-in at an RAF base, the government banned the group earlier this month under the Terrorism Act of 2000, making membership or support for it a criminal offence.
Across the country, protesters hoisted posters reading “I oppose genocide.” “I support Palestine Action.” In London, arrests were made near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Parliament Square, with up to 20 police trucks present. Officers proceeded quickly to arrest persons holding the placards, many of whom appeared to be over the age of sixty. One woman claimed to be in her eighties and walked with a stick. Some were led away, while others needed to be carried. Avon and Somerset Police reported 17 persons were arrested under the Terrorism Act following a demonstration on Bristol’s College Green. It stated three more applicants would be asked to a voluntary interview at a later date.
Devon and Cornwall Police said two men and six women were arrested on suspicion of terrorism after demonstrators congregated near Truro Cathedral. According to the force, approximately 30 individuals participated in the peaceful rally, which was arranged by the advocacy organisation Defend Our Juries. Earlier, the campaign organisation said that one of those held near the cathedral was an 81-year-old retired magistrate.
Greater Manchester Police said 16 persons were arrested on suspicion of aiding a prohibited organisation and remained in prison for interrogation. Police Scotland said officers from Edinburgh responded after the department was made aware of photographs online showing people holding placards in support of Palestine Action in Edinburgh’s Parliament Square. However, a spokeswoman stated that no arrests were made since the protesters had dispersed by the time authorities arrived. Enquiries are ongoing. The force also stated that no arrests were made during a second pro-Palestinian protest in the city. Separately, the Palestine Coalition held a march in London on Saturday.
According to Greater Manchester Police, 16 people were arrested on suspicion of supporting a forbidden group and are being interrogated in prison. Police Scotland stated that police from Edinburgh responded after the department was made aware of photos online of people holding placards in support of Palestine Action in Edinburgh’s Parliament Square. However, a spokesman said no arrests were made since the demonstrators had dispersed by the time officers arrived. Enquiries are ongoing. The force also said that no arrests were made at a second pro-Palestinian demonstration in the city. Separately, the Palestine Coalition organised a march in London on Saturday.
MPs voted to ban the group after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in June, pouring red paint on two Voyager planes and damaging £7 million in damage. Palestine Action claimed credit for the incident at the time. Four people have now been remanded in custody on charges of conspiracy to cause criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a forbidden area with the intent to endanger the UK’s safety or interests. The event sparked a security review of all UK military bases.
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