LONDON (AP) – British police clashed with protesters outside Parliament on Saturday as they arrested dozens of demonstrators defying a ban on Palestine Action, which has been designated a terrorist organization by the government. The protest was organized by a campaign group named Defend Our Juries, which claimed approximately 1,500 people took part, displaying signs that read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Within moments of convening, police began making arrests, prompting bystanders to chant, “Shame on you,” and “Met Police, pick a side, justice or genocide.” There were reports of scuffles and heated exchanges as officers removed demonstrators who resisted, with about 150 arrests occurring after several hours. Some of those arrested were charged with assault, while hundreds remained seated in the square, continuing to protest.
The Metropolitan Police issued a statement on social media declaring, “Expressing support for a proscribed organization is a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act. Where our officers see offences, we will make arrests.” This reflects the earlier crackdown where more than 700 individuals were arrested in similar protests, leading to 138 charges under the Terrorism Act.
Mike Higgins, a 62-year-old blind wheelchair user, was among those arrested last month but chose to return to demonstrate on Saturday. He remarked, “And I’m a terrorist? That’s the joke of it. I’ve already been arrested under the Terrorism Act, and I suspect I will be today. Of course, I’ll keep coming back. What choice do I have?”
Palestine Action, which has engaged in direct action protests in the UK since its formation in 2020, was proscribed in July after activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and vandalized aircraft in protest of the UK’s alleged support for Israel’s actions against Hamas in Gaza. The activists caused significant damage by spraying red paint into the engines of two tanker planes and utilizing crowbars to inflict further harm.
Due to the proscription, publicly supporting Palestine Action is now classified as a crime that can lead to imprisonment for up to 14 years. The British government justified its actions, stating that assessments indicated Palestine Action is “not a nonviolent organization.” In response, Palestine Action has secured permission from the High Court to challenge this ban, with the case currently pending a hearing scheduled for September 25.
Supporters of Palestine Action argue that the ban infringes upon free speech rights. The UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, criticized the UK government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group, stating that it “misuses the gravity and impact of terrorism.” He raised concerns that applying counterterrorism laws to non-terroristic activities could impede the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms in the UK. Türk emphasized that genuine terrorist acts should be confined to those involving death, serious injury, or hostage-taking.
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, condemned the government’s ban as “catastrophic” for civil liberties, claiming it creates a wider chilling effect on freedom of speech. The group enjoys support from various cultural figures, including bestselling Irish author Sally Rooney, who pledged to continue funding Palestine Action and its campaign against genocide through her work.
The Israeli government, established partly as a refuge following the Holocaust, vehemently denies accusations of committing genocide. The British government has clarified that the proscription of Palestine Action does not impact the ability of other lawful groups to campaign or peacefully protest, whether pro-Palestinian or pro-Israel.
