LONDON (AP) – British police clashed with protesters outside Parliament on Saturday as they arrested over 400 demonstrators who gathered to challenge a government-imposed ban on the group Palestine Action, labeled a terrorist organization. The protest was organized by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, which claimed around 1,500 individuals participated in the London demonstration, holding signs that read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Shortly after the protest began, police initiated arrests, prompting bystanders to chant slogans such as “Shame on you” and “Met Police, pick a side, justice or genocide.” Tensions escalated into scuffles and angry exchanges as officers removed demonstrators who resisted arrest. By the end of the eight-hour protest, police reported that they had made over 425 arrests, with more than 25 individuals detained for assaulting officers or committing public order offenses, while the remainder was arrested under the Terrorism Act.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart noted that officers faced significant aggression during the protests, stating, “In carrying out their duties today, our officers have been punched, kicked, spat on, and had objects thrown at them by protesters,” calling such abuse “intolerable.” However, Defend Our Juries contested this characterization of the protesters, branding claims of violent behavior as “frankly laughable.”
This incident follows previous protests where more than 700 individuals were arrested, and 138 were charged under the Terrorism Act. One notable participant, Mike Higgins, 62, who is blind and uses a wheelchair, expressed his determination to continue protesting despite his prior arrest, humorously questioning the label of “terrorist” that had been applied to him.
Palestine Action was designated as a terrorist organization by the government in July after activists vandalized RAF planes to demonstrate against Britain’s support for Israel's actions against Hamas in Gaza. The activists used red paint and crowbars, causing extensive damage. The ban criminalizes public support for the group, with penalties of up to 14 years in prison for membership or support.
The group, active in direct action protests since its formation in 2020, has targeted facilities associated with Elbit Systems UK and other companies linked to the Israeli military. The UK government claims these actions have inflicted millions of pounds in damage and pose risks to national security. In a statement, then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper affirmed that the evaluations indicated Palestine Action was “not a nonviolent organization.”
Currently, Palestine Action is challenging the ban in the High Court, with a government appeal against the ruling expected. The upcoming hearing is scheduled for September 25. Supporters, including prominent cultural figures such as bestselling Irish author Sally Rooney, argue that the prohibition undermines free speech and civil liberties.
The United Nations human rights chief, Volker Türk, criticized the UK government’s classification of Palestine Action, stating that it raises serious concerns about the misuse of counterterrorism laws. He emphasized that genuine terrorist acts should be confined to those intending to cause death, serious injury, or hostage-taking.
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, condemned the government’s ban as a severe blow to civil liberties, arguing it creates a “much wider chilling effect” on free speech. Despite the ban, supporters maintain that it should not affect other lawful pro-Palestinian or pro-Israeli groups capable of campaigning or peacefully protesting.
On the same day, an estimated 20,000 individuals participated in a separate pro-Palestinian march in London, showcasing the significant public interest and divergent perspectives regarding the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
