Summary
On Saturday, London's Metropolitan Police arrested 18 supporters of Palestine Action for protesting at the Met's headquarters. This comes after the police reversed their decision to stop arresting the group's supporters, which they had made after a court ruling questioned labeling the group as a terrorist organization. The decision to resume arrests follows the government's appeal against this court ruling.
Key Facts
- The Metropolitan Police arrested 18 people supporting Palestine Action at New Scotland Yard.
- The arrests were made under anti-terrorism laws.
- A High Court ruling in February called the ban on Palestine Action as a "terrorist group" unlawful and disproportionate.
- Despite the court ruling, the police will enforce the law until the government's appeal is decided.
- Nearly 3,000 people have been arrested for supporting Palestine Action, contributing to a rise in "terrorism" arrests in the UK.
- The UN and Amnesty International criticized the ban, calling it a threat to free expression.
- Eight activists from the group staged a hunger strike, with some now pursuing legal action for alleged mistreatment in prison.
- A mass event is planned at Trafalgar Square to support those arrested for sign-holding.
