British police arrested dozens of protesters in the heart of London on Saturday under anti-terrorism legislation, targeting the supporters of Palestine Action which is recently banned as a terrorist group.
Crackdown Against Palestine Action Supporters
Palestine Action was banned in July after the members allegedly stormed a Royal Air Force base and vandalized military planes. The group blames the UK for supporting alleged Israeli war crimes in Gaza, saying its demonstrations reveal Britain’s involvement in the conflict. Since the embargo, hundreds of supporters have been arrested by authorities using anti-terror laws, with over 500 detained on a single day last month. Witnesses reported numerous arrested individuals were above 60 years old, raising concerns over police enforcement.
On Saturday, hundreds of demonstrators were present near the Houses of Parliament, with placards stating “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Police swept in and took dozens of protesters into custody. London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed the action but refused to release specific numbers. A Reuters witness reported “dozens” being taken away in handcuffs.
Britain’s Harshest Measures Yet
The government ban puts Palestine Action in the same category as extremist groups like al-Qaeda and ISIS. Supporting or being part of the group now is punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Before Saturday’s march, Met Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan made an ultimatum: “If you express support for Palestine Action a crime under the Terrorism Act you will be detained. We have the numbers of officers, custody space and all other resources to deal with as many individuals as necessary.”
The officials claim that the prohibition is necessary, as it cites millions of pounds’ worth of damage inflicted by direct action by the group, frequently at firms associated with weapons production.
ALSO READ: Nigel Farage Pledges to End Migrant Boats, Scrap Net Zero in Government Vision
Free Speech Concerns Mount
Human rights organizations, however, have sharply denounced the move, describing it as a disproportionate response which chips away at the right to protest. Critics argue that although the government asserted the ban does not prevent wider pro-Palestinian protests, Saturday’s arrests demonstrate how quickly peaceful activism can be criminalized.
The demonstration in Westminster underlined the widening divide between authorities determined to impose crackdowns on incisive activism and protesters who see Palestine Action as a necessary voice against what they describe as genocide in Gaza. As dozens now face lengthy prison sentences for merely expressing solidarity, the argument over where to set the boundary between protest and terrorism in Britain will be escalated.
