LONDON – Police in London arrested more than 500 people during a major Palestinian solidarity protest on Saturday. The demonstration took place in Trafalgar Square and supported the banned group Palestine Action.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 523 people were arrested. Protesters were aged between 18 and 87. Many were detained while sitting in a peaceful demonstration.
Officers removed several activists as crowds cheered and clapped. The gathering was part of a sit-down protest in central London. Many participants held placards expressing support for Palestine Action.
The protest was linked to ongoing Palestinian activism in the UK. However, the group Palestine Action is banned under terrorism laws. Supporting or joining it is a criminal offence.
Authorities said the ban makes public support illegal. Offenders could face up to 14 years in prison. The decision has created strong debate across the country.
The High Court earlier ruled that the ban interfered with freedom of speech. However, the government has appealed the decision. Police later resumed arrests after briefly pausing enforcement.
A large number of Palestinian supporters joined the demonstration despite warnings. Organisers said the protest was peaceful and focused on human rights concerns.
One protester said continued participation was important for expressing opposition. Another participant said legal disputes should not stop public demonstrations.
Organisers from Defend Our Juries said hundreds joined the sit-in protest. They criticised the government’s approach and called it a crackdown on peaceful protest.
They also said arrests continued despite legal challenges in court. Lawyers had warned that some arrests could be unlawful after the High Court ruling.
Human rights group Amnesty UK also criticised the police action. It said the arrests raised concerns about civil liberties and freedom of expression.
The organisation highlighted that even elderly protesters were detained. It called the situation a setback for democratic rights in the country.
The ban on Palestine Action has been widely controversial. It has sparked debates over protest rights and state security measures. The group has also been linked to past activist operations targeting defence companies.
The recent protest shows ongoing Palestinian solidarity movements in the UK. However, legal restrictions continue to create tension between authorities and demonstrators.
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Police say they will continue enforcing the law while legal proceedings remain ongoing. Further court reviews are expected later this year.
