Tense scenes unfolded outside the UK Parliament on Saturday as police clashed with demonstrators demanding the lifting of a government ban on the activist group Palestine Action. The rally organized under the banner “Defend Our Juries,” drew an estimated 1,500 participants, many of whom risked arrest under Britain’s anti-terrorism laws.
According to police, at least 425 protesters were detained during the demonstration. Officers said arrests were made for a range of offences, including supporting a proscribed organisation a criminal act under the Terrorism Act and assaulting police.
Palestine Action shared video footage on social media alleging that officers used excessive force, claiming many people were arrested simply for holding placards reading “I oppose genocide” or “I support Palestine Action.” Witnesses reported baton charges, injuries among protesters, and heated verbal exchanges. Some described bottles of water and plastic containers being thrown, while police said their officers were punched, kicked, spat on, and struck with objects.
The protest was part of a wider campaign challenging the UK government’s July decision to outlaw Palestine Action, which has carried out direct actions against defence companies linked to Israel. The ban has sparked debate over civil liberties, with critics warning it could have a chilling effect on peaceful political activism.
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