Protesters held placards stating, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action”, with officers systematically arresting those displaying support for the proscribed group. According to the Met, at least 365 people were arrested by around 6pm, rising to 466 by 9pm, with a further eight arrested for other offences, including five for assaulting officers.
The police later confirmed it was the most arrests made related to a single operation in at least the past decade.
Protesters hold placards at a "Lift The Ban" demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action (Credit: HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images) AFP via Getty Images
Displaying public support for Palestine Action, which last month was designated a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000, is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said: “The right to protest is one we protect fiercely but this is very different from displaying support for this one specific and narrow, proscribed organisation.
“Palestine Action was proscribed based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage.”
The Metropolitan Police Federation said: “Thinking of our colleagues. And wishing all assaulted officers well. Remember there are no “extra” police officers. Just the same ones having their days off cancelled, having to work longer shifts and being moved from other areas. Officers are emotionally and physically exhausted.”
Protesters get arrested during "Lift The Ban" demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action (Credit: Alishia Abodunde/Getty Images)Getty Images
Ahead of the demonstration, Defend Our Juries said Palestine Action and people displaying support for the group “present no danger to the public at large”.
Police said those arrested were taken to processing points in Westminster where their details were confirmed, and afterwards they were released on bail on condition they did not attend any more Palestine Action support events.
Before Saturday’s demonstration, approximately 221 arrests had been made by UK police for showing support for Palestine Action since the group was outlawed on July 5.
Vicki Evans, Senior National Coordinator for Prevent and Pursue and Counter Terrorism Policing, said earlier this week: “Our role is to enforce the law where we suspect offences to have been committed and we will continue to do so, without fear or favour.
“At this time, it remains illegal to be a member or encourage support for the group Palestine Action. This legislation is specific to that group and does not interfere with the right to protest in support of the Palestinian cause.”
The ban on Palestine Action will face a legal challenge in November after the High Court granted a full judicial review to one of its co-founders.
