Police in London detained more than 200 people on Saturday after they defied the new ban on Palestine Action. The protest, led by Defend Our Juries, sought to pressure the British government to reverse its decision.
The ban, passed in early July, criminalizes public support for Palestine Action. Lawmakers acted after activists damaged two Royal Air Force tanker planes during a June protest against the UK’s support for Israel’s war in Gaza.
Over 500 protesters gathered outside the Houses of Parliament. Many held placards reading, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Police detained those displaying the signs.
Defend Our Juries said officers detained only a small portion of those breaking the law. The group claimed this showed the ban’s impracticality and its threat to free expression.
The Metropolitan Police rejected the claim. They insisted they detained or were detaining anyone publicly supporting the group during the event. Officers described the protest as unusual because many participants wanted to be detained to overload the justice system.
The ban followed a June 20 break-in at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. Activists sprayed red paint into aircraft engines and used crowbars to cause further damage. They targeted the base to protest British military cooperation with Israel.
Palestine Action has also targeted Israeli defense contractors and other UK facilities linked to the Israeli military. Supporters are challenging the ban in court, saying it wrongly labels non-violent protest as terrorism.
A Weekend of Protests
Saturday’s detentions occurred during a weekend of multiple demonstrations in London. Pro-Palestinian activists later marched to Downing Street. On Sunday, other groups will rally for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
Police are also preparing for nationwide protests outside hotels housing asylum-seekers. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan warned that simultaneous events will stretch police resources.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces criticism from both Israel and Palestinian supporters. Israel objects to his plan to recognize a Palestinian state this year, while activists accuse him of inaction over Gaza.
