By Haifa Chairunisa
More than 500 people were taken into custody during a demonstration in central London opposing the ban on Palestine Action protest, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Authorities said arrests were made after demonstrators were found expressing support for a group that has been officially proscribed under UK law. Those detained ranged widely in age, from 18 to 87.
Large crowds gathered in Trafalgar Square, many holding placards backing Palestine Action. Common slogans included opposition to genocide and declarations of solidarity with the group—messages that have appeared at previous rallies.
The protest, dubbed “Everyone Day,” was organized by Defend Our Juries, which said the event was meant to show continued resistance to the government’s decision to outlaw Palestine Action. Demonstrators also carried signs defending the right to protest and criticizing both the United States and Israel.
Support for Palestine Action has been considered a criminal offense since July 2025, when the government banned the group under anti-terrorism legislation. Although a court ruling in February found the ban unlawful, it remains in effect while the decision is under appeal.
Police had earlier suggested arrests might be unlikely following the court’s decision, but later reversed course and confirmed they would continue enforcing the ban. Ahead of the protest, officials warned attendees they could face legal consequences, stressing that backing a prohibited organization violates the Terrorism Act.
Commander Claire Smart, overseeing the weekend’s policing operation, said authorities would act decisively if laws were broken.
Despite the warning, several participants told media outlets they were prepared to risk arrest. Among those detained was Robert Del Naja of the band Massive Attack, who had criticized the police’s decision to resume arrests. He argued that any detention could be challenged in court as unlawful.
Del Naja also defended the actions of Palestine Action, describing them as an effort to prevent involvement in alleged war crimes. Other protesters voiced similar sentiments, with one participant saying she joined the rally due to ongoing violence in Gaza and frustration with government priorities.
A separate demonstrator noted she had previously been arrested multiple times and expected the same outcome again.
Earlier in the day, police reported over 200 arrests, but by late evening that number had risen to 523. Authorities thanked officers involved in the operation for their conduct.
Since the ban was introduced last year, more than 2,700 people have been detained for allegedly expressing support for Palestine Action. Legal proceedings against many of them have been paused as courts continue to review the legitimacy of the ban.
Meanwhile, international scrutiny of the conflict persists. A United Nations inquiry previously accused Israel of committing acts that could constitute genocide in Gaza—claims rejected by Israeli officials, who maintain their actions are justified as self-defense.
Original article
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