Summary
London police arrested nearly 900 people during a protest supporting the group Palestine Action, which is banned under UK law. The participants of the protest claim they were peaceful, while police say they faced organized violence. The demonstration was part of ongoing protests against the UK government’s decision to ban Palestine Action.
Key Facts
- Police in London arrested 890 people at a pro-Palestine Action rally.
- Of those arrested, 857 were suspected of supporting a banned group.
- Police report officers faced organized violence during the protest.
- Protest organizers argue they were nonviolent and that police used excessive force.
- The protests occurred as part of a response to Palestine Action being banned under the Terrorism Act 2000.
- Protests were also held in Belfast and Edinburgh, leading to a few arrests on terrorism-related charges.
- Expressing support for Palestine Action is a criminal offence in the UK.
- The UK Home Office is appealing a ruling that allowed a legal challenge against the ban on Palestine Action.
