At least 474 people were detained by London police during a protest supporting the Palestine Action Group held at Parliament Square. According to the Metropolitan Police, 446 individuals were arrested for expressing support for the banned organization, five for assaulting officers, two for public order offenses, and one for a racial crime.
In July, the British government designated the Palestine Action Group as a terrorist organization. On the day of the protest, hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered, carrying placards stating “I oppose genocide” and “I support Palestine Action.”
Police carried out arrests before 6 p.m. local time and warned in advance that anyone expressing support for the group would be detained. Those who refused to provide their details or whose identities could not be verified were held in custody, while others were released on bail with the condition that they refrain from participating in further protests supporting the group.
Critics argue that the crackdown infringes on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and represents an effort to suppress the anti-Gaza war movement. Under the UK’s Terrorism Act 2000, membership in or support for the group is a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Sacha Deshmukh, CEO of Amnesty International UK, stated that people have the right under international human rights law to protest against the ongoing genocide in Gaza. He added that the protesters at Parliament Square did not incite violence and labeling them terrorists is entirely unjustified.
Deshmukh further criticized the UK’s terrorism legislation as vaguely worded and a threat to free speech, emphasizing that these arrests confirm their long-standing concerns.
The protest followed shortly after the publication of the names of the first three individuals charged with supporting the Palestine Action Group in England and Wales.