At least 86 people were arrested across the United Kingdom on Saturday for expressing support for Palestine Action, a protest group recently banned under anti-terrorism laws. The crackdown comes just weeks after the UK government formally added the group to its list of proscribed organisations, alongside entities such as Hamas, al-Qaeda, and ISIS.
The Metropolitan Police reported 41 arrests in London tied to public displays of support for the outlawed group, along with one arrest for common assault. Greater Manchester Police confirmed another 16 arrests, while advocacy group Defend Our Juries said additional detentions occurred in Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Home Office designated Palestine Action as a banned group earlier this month, citing its direct-action tactics, including breaking into a Royal Air Force base and damaging aircraft in protest against UK military ties with Israel. Supporters of the group argue its actions—often focused on disrupting Israeli-linked arms companies like Elbit Systems—involve property damage rather than violence against individuals.
On Saturday, around 50 demonstrators gathered near the Nelson Mandela statue outside the UK Parliament, holding signs that read, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Police moved in soon after, making multiple arrests.
The government says public support for Palestine Action can now result in prison sentences of up to 14 years. A recent legal challenge against the group’s proscription was rejected by the courts, despite concerns that this marks the first time a UK group has been banned largely for engaging in non-violent but disruptive protest.
Tensions remain high nationwide amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The conflict—sparked by Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel—has triggered global protests and legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice, where Israel faces accusations of genocide, which it strongly denies.
Last week, 29 protesters were arrested during a similar demonstration in London. Rights groups continue to warn that the crackdown on pro-Palestinian activism is setting a dangerous precedent for civil liberties in the UK.
