A mass protest in central London erupted Saturday as hundreds of demonstrators gathered to show support for Palestine Action, a group recently banned by the UK government under anti-terrorism laws. Police arrested 466 people in what has become the largest single-day protest-related arrest operation in over a decade.
The demonstration, held in Parliament Square, was organized by Defend Our Juries and drew participants from across the country. Protesters sat peacefully holding handwritten placards reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Videos circulating on social media showed police removing demonstrators one by one, including elderly participants.
The UK government officially proscribed Palestine Action in July, citing its involvement in damaging military property, including aircraft at a Royal Air Force base. Under the Terrorism Act 2000, expressing support for a proscribed organization is now a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Critics, including human rights groups and academics, have condemned the ban as a disproportionate measure that infringes on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The United Nations and Amnesty International have both raised concerns, warning that the move could suppress legitimate dissent against the war in Gaza.
Despite the threat of arrest, organizers said the protest was a collective stand against what they described as government overreach and complicity in international war crimes. They vowed to continue mobilizing, with more actions planned in the coming weeks.
Police confirmed that additional arrests were made for assaulting officers, though no serious injuries were reported. The operation involved officers from multiple forces and continued into the evening as authorities processed detainees across London.
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