LONDON (AP) - British police made several arrests during ongoing protests against the government's decision to ban the Palestinian rights organization, Palestine Action. This marked the third consecutive weekend of demonstrations, during which supporters gathered to express their opposition to the prohibition that has been enforced since lawmakers designated the group as a terrorist organization earlier this month.
Demonstrators in cities including London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, Londonderry, and Truro held placards that read “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” The protests were sparked after activists from Palestine Action broke into the Royal Air Force base at Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20. Their act of protest involved damaging military aircraft by spraying red paint into jet engines and using crowbars to inflict further damage, aimed at highlighting British military support for Israel amidst its ongoing conflict with Hamas.
The UK Parliament's recent legislation classifying Palestine Action as a terrorist group means that individuals associated with the organization or supporting its actions face penalties of up to 14 years in prison. This stark legal framework has drawn scrutiny and resistance from supporters who have come together to challenge the ban. The campaign group, Defend Our Juries, organized the protests and has stated that a court hearing at the High Court in London is scheduled for Monday to consider the challenges against the ban.
In anticipation of the protests, police announced an increased presence in central London, highlighting their commitment to protect the right to peaceful assembly while also cautioning that illegal expressions of support for Palestine Action would lead to enforcement actions. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan warned individuals considering testing the limits of the law that they would likely face arrest.
On Saturday, nearly 100 protesters were arrested across the UK, with 55 apprehended in London alone. Police operations included surrounding demonstrators at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi, located in a park across from the Houses of Parliament. Law enforcement officials confiscated placards and searched the bags of those taken into custody. Disturbing video footage surfaced on social media, showing police escorting an elderly man away from a protest in Truro while he shouted, “I oppose genocide.”
The increasing tensions surrounding the protests reflect a broader societal division regarding support for Palestine Action and the legislative measures taken to counter it. The upcoming court ruling could have significant implications for the future of the organization and the legal landscape regarding public expressions of support for Palestinian rights in the UK.
The Associated Press
