More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest

More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest

The Metropolitan Police reported over 200 individuals were detained during a rally opposing the ban on Palestine Action in central London. The arrests occurred as participants expressed backing for a group designated under anti-terror laws. A large crowd assembled in Trafalgar Square, with several individuals holding banners advocating for the organization, including “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” a slogan previously seen at the group’s demonstrations.

Organized by Defend our Juries, Saturday’s event was dubbed Everyone Day, aiming to showcase continued defiance against the prohibition on Palestine Action. Attendees also displayed placards with other messages, such as support for free speech and criticism of U.S. and Israeli policies. The ban on Palestine Action was imposed in July 2025 via the Terrorism Act, but a court ruled it unlawful in February. Despite this, the ban stood until an appeal was resolved.

Following the February court decision, the Met initially signaled that arrests might decrease. However, by March, it reversed course, stating it would continue detaining those supporting the proscribed group. Ahead of the demonstration, police issued a warning about “criminal offences” and advised attendees of “potential consequences” for participating. Commander Claire Smart, overseeing London’s policing, emphasized that “showing support for a proscribed organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act, and we will not hesitate to act where the law is broken.”

“Those attending should be aware that showing support for a proscribed organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act, and we will not hesitate to act where the law is broken,” said commander Claire Smart.

Some participants confirmed their willingness to face arrest. Among those detained was Robert Del Naja, a founding member of Massive Attack, who had previously expressed his intent to attend the protest. He argued that police “making that U-turn to arrest people again” was “ridiculous,” and claimed confidence in defending his actions in court, stating, “this was an unlawful arrest and, therefore, I don’t accept it.”

“I think that the actions of Palestine Action were highly patriotic because they were pretty much protecting our country from getting involved in serious war crimes, and breaking international law. How much more patriotic can you be than that?”

Linda Walker, another protester, cited ongoing “genocide” in Gaza as her reason for joining. She remarked, “The only people [the government] are willing to take action against are the people trying to stop it.” Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide, asserting its actions in Gaza are justified as self-defense. A third demonstrator noted she had been arrested multiple times before, anticipating similar outcomes.

By 16:50 BST, the Met confirmed 212 arrests, with operations ongoing as protesters continued to show solidarity with the banned group. Since the ban was enacted last summer under the Terrorism Act 2000, over 2,200 individuals have been charged for allegedly endorsing Palestine Action. Legal proceedings for those accused of displaying the placards have paused pending the resolution of the appeal over the group’s designation.