UK police arrest hundreds at London protest in support of Palestine Action

More than 400 people were arrested in London on Saturday during a tense protest in support of the Palestine Action group, which has been banned under terror laws, police said.

Several hundred people demonstrated in front of the UK parliament, with some holding placards that read: "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."

The capital's Metropolitan Police force (Met) said in a statement late on Saturday that it had arrested "more than 425 people... in relation to the protest".

"The majority of these arrests were made for supporting a proscribed organisation," the force said.

Polly Smith, a 74-year-old retiree, said those at the rally "are not terrorists", adding: "The ban must be lifted."

Nigel, a 62-year-old CEO of a recycling company who declined to give his surname, said the government's ban imposed in July was "totally inappropriate".

"They should spend more time working on trying to stop genocide, rather than trying to stop protesters," he said before being arrested as protesters chanted "Shame on you!" at police.

Skirmishes broke out between officers and demonstrators who tried to prevent arrests. More than 25 people were arrested for alleged "assaults on police officers and other public order offences", the Met said.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart said officers had been subjected to "intolerable" abuse, including being punched, kicked and spat on.

"Our role in the context of protest remains... to enforce the law, and to ensure those exercising their right to protest can do so safely," she said.

Palestine Action was banned under the UK's Terrorism Act of 2000.

Critics, including the United Nations and several campaign groups, have condemned the ban as legal overreach and a threat to free speech.

More than 800 people had already been arrested before Saturday's demonstration, with 138 charged with supporting or encouraging support for a proscribed organisation.

Most face six months in prison if convicted but organisers of the rallies could be sentenced to up to 14 years if found guilty.

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Source: TRT