“Metropolitan Police, shame on you.”
Hundreds of protesters have called out London’s Metropolitan Police after more than 365 people were arrested for peacefully supporting Palestine Action during a large rally in Parliament Square.
The demonstration, organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries (DOJ), was held in response to the UK government’s recent ban on Palestine Action, which was proscribed under anti-terror laws earlier this year.
Despite sitting peacefully and holding signs saying, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” protesters faced harsh enforcement from officers who detained dozens back to back.
The government’s decision makes it a criminal offence to associate with the group, carrying prison sentences of up to 14 years.
Critics argue that these arrests represent an unjust crackdown on free expression and peaceful protest.
Many activists said they were willing to risk arrest to stand in solidarity with Palestinian rights and oppose what they see as an overreach of state power.
The mass arrests highlight growing tensions over the UK government’s tough stance on activism, raising urgent questions about the right to protest under increasingly strict anti-terror laws.
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