At Least 450 Protesters Arrested in London for Backing Banned Palestine Action Group

London police arrested at least 450 individuals on Saturday, August 9, for expressing support for Palestine Action, a group banned under UK anti-terror laws.

The demonstration in Parliament Square was the largest since the group was outlawed last month. Protesters carried signs reading “Oppose genocide, support Palestine Action” and applauded those being detained, chanting “Shame on you” at officers. Police insisted that “anyone who came to Parliament Square today to hold a placard expressing support for Palestine Action was either arrested or is in the process of being arrested.”

Palestine Action was banned after activists broke into RAF Brize Norton in June, damaging military aircraft used to support Israel's war with Hamas. The group had also targeted Israeli defense contractors and other UK sites linked to the IDF.

Critics, including Amnesty International and Greenpeace, argue the ban is an overreach and threatens free speech. Amnesty’s UK chief urged police to exercise restraint, warning arrests for holding placards could breach international law. A legal challenge to the ban is expected later this year. (TOI/VFI News)

“Father, we ask for wisdom for governments and law enforcement as they balance freedom of expression with the need to protect communities from violence. May justice be served without bias, and may truth and peace prevail over hostility and division.”