More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest
More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest
The Metropolitan Police reported over 200 individuals detained during a gathering opposing the prohibition on Palestine Action in central London. These arrests occurred as attendees expressed solidarity with the organization, which was designated as proscribed under anti-terror measures. The protest, held in Trafalgar Square, featured participants holding signs advocating for Palestine Action, including messages like “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” This was the group’s latest event, organized by Defend our Juries to highlight ongoing resistance to the ban.
Alongside the primary slogans, demonstrators also displayed placards with additional messages, such as backing the right to protest and criticizing the US and Israel. The ban on Palestine Action was enacted in July 2025, following its designation under the Terrorism Act 2000. While the court deemed the restriction unlawful in February, it remained active until an appeal was resolved. The police had previously indicated they would not arrest attendees after the High Court decision, but this changed in March, leading to renewed enforcement actions.
Met Police Warning
Before the event, the Met issued a statement cautioning participants about “criminal offences” linked to supporting the proscribed group. Commander Claire Smart, overseeing the protests, emphasized that showing support for Palestine Action is a legal violation under the Terrorism Act. “We will not hesitate to act where the law is broken,” she warned, urging attendees to consider the “potential consequences” of their participation.
“Those attending should be aware that showing support for a proscribed organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act, and we will not hesitate to act where the law is broken,” said commander Claire Smart.
Despite the warning, some demonstrators expressed willingness to face arrest. Robert Del Naja, a founding member of the band Massive Attack, attended the protest, stating he believed the police’s decision to resume arrests was “ridiculous.” He added that if detained, he would argue in court that “this was an unlawful arrest and, therefore, I don’t accept it.” Del Naja, known for his work with the Bristol-based trip hop collective, praised Palestine Action’s actions as “highly patriotic,” claiming they “protected our country from serious war crimes and breaking international law.”
Linda Walker, another participant, cited the “genocide going on for the last two-and-a-half years” as her reason for joining the demonstration. “The only people [the government] are willing to take action against are the people trying to stop it,” she said. Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide in Gaza, asserting its actions were justified as self-defence.
By 16:50 BST, the Met confirmed 212 arrests, with more expected as people continued to support the banned group. To date, over 2,200 individuals have been charged with allegedly endorsing Palestine Action since its designation last summer by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. Legal proceedings for those accused of displaying the group’s placards were paused while the appeal against the ban unfolds.