The Metropolitan Police arrested at least 365 protesters during a mass demonstration in London’s Parliament Square organized by Defend Our Juries in support of the recently banned Palestine Action. The protest, which saw hundreds holding identical signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” marked one of the largest crackdowns since the group was proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 in July —a move that carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison for membership or public backing.
By 6:00 PM BST, the Met Police confirmed 365 arrests for supporting a proscribed organization, with an additional seven detentions—including five for assaulting officers. Protesters who cooperated with identification checks were released on conditional bail, barred from further demonstrations, while those refusing details were taken into custody. Eyewitness footage showed officers methodically detaining seated demonstrators, some of whom had to be carried away amid chants of “Shame on you!” from the crowd.
Despite the arrests, many demonstrators remained defiant. “If they ban Palestine Action, what’s next? Until protesting anything becomes illegal,” an anonymous attendee told the BBC. Claudia Penna-Rojas, 27, stated, “I refuse to be a bystander to genocide,” while 86-year-old Jacob Ecclestone condemned the ban as “deeply authoritarian.” Organizers Defend Our Juries claimed over 1,000 sign-holders participated, disputing police figures and arguing the turnout reflected public outrage over UK complicity in Gaza.
The demonstration unfolded days after the first three individuals in England and Wales were charged under the ban. Meanwhile, Palestine Action is challenging its proscription in the High Court, with lawyers arguing it violates free speech rights. The government defends the ban, citing the group’s criminal activities, including a £7 million vandalism attack at RAF Brize Norton in June.
A Home Office spokesperson meanwhile, said the proscription followed “serious attacks involving violence and extensive damage.” With over 200 arrests nationwide since the ban, tensions remain high as pro-Palestine and pro-Israeli marches prepare to converge in central London this weekend. The Met Police has mobilized reinforcements, warning of a “significant policing presence” to manage expected clashes.
