London police have arrested several demonstrators who took part in a rally in support of Palestine Action, an anti-Israel activist group that was officially banned in the UK on Friday under anti-terrorism legislation.
In an official statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Metropolitan Police said: “Officers are responding to a protest in support of Palestine Action in Parliament Square. The group is now proscribed as an extremist organization, and expressions of support are a criminal offense. Arrests are being made.”
According to the rights group Defend Our Juries, 27 people were detained during the protest, including a priest and several healthcare workers. The demonstrators held cardboard signs reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
Police had previously warned that any show of support for the group following the midnight implementation of the ban would be considered a criminal act. This includes chants, clothing, flags, symbols, and any other form of endorsement.
