UK Authorities Arrest Hundreds at Demonstration Opposing Palestine Action Ban

UK authorities arrested at least 365 protesters at a mass demonstration in London's Parliament Square organized by Defend Juries to support the recently banned Palestine Action protest. The protesters held signs opposing genocide and supporting Palestine Action, marking one of the largest crackdowns since the group was proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 in July.

The arrests could carry a penalty of up to 14 years in prison for membership or public backing. Despite the arrests, many demonstrators remained defiant, with one attendee stating they would continue protesting anything that becomes illegal.

Eyewitness footage showed officers methodically detaining seated demonstrators, leading to chants of "Shame" from the crowd. The organizers of Defend Juries disputed the police figures, arguing that the turnout reflected public outrage over UK complicity in Gaza.

Meanwhile, Palestine Action is challenging the proscription in the High Court, arguing that it violates free speech rights, while the government defends the ban citing the group's criminal activities. Tensions remain high as more protests.