SAEDNEWS: British authorities have arrested over 100 demonstrators across the UK as part of an escalating campaign to suppress voices opposing Israel’s war crimes, following the controversial designation of Palestine Action as a “terrorist organization.”
More than 100 people have been detained in various UK cities amid widespread pro-Palestinian protests, three weeks after the British government proscribed Palestine Action.
The demonstrations, organized in solidarity with Palestine and in defiance of the ban, have triggered an aggressive crackdown by police forces aligned with the UK’s pro-Israeli stance.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 55 arrests took place in London’s Parliament Square under the Terrorism Act 2000, allegedly for displaying messages of solidarity with Palestine Action.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan attempted to justify the arrests, stating, "Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause... unless they express support for Palestine Action."
He warned that even indirect support for the group, whether during standalone actions or broader Palestine Coalition protests, would be treated as criminal.
In Parliament Square, demonstrators holding signs such as “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action” were surrounded by officers, who seized materials, searched bags, and forcefully removed participants, some of whom were handcuffed or physically carried away.
“Whether chants cross into criminal territory depends on the context,” Adelekan added, suggesting arbitrary enforcement of laws meant to stifle opposition to UK complicity in Israeli aggression.
Coordinated protests under the banner “Defend Our Juries” took place in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Bristol, and Truro.
Greater Manchester Police arrested 16 people.
Avon and Somerset Police detained 17 in Bristol.
Devon and Cornwall Police reported eight arrests inside Truro Cathedral, where 30 protesters had gathered.
Authorities claimed placards violated the Terrorism Act despite police warnings.
In Glasgow, Police Scotland arrested a man for publicly displaying support for the banned anti-war group.
Over 70 people were similarly arrested last week for allegedly referencing Palestine Action.
Defend Our Juries, in a statement on X, declared, “The UK government is complicit in Israel’s genocide against Palestinians. They are attempting to silence those who expose this complicity.”
Palestine Action, banned on July 5, is renowned for direct actions against companies tied to Israel’s war industry, including a recent operation that defaced RAF aircraft at Brize Norton.
Human rights organizations have condemned the ban, warning it criminalizes legitimate protest and sets a repressive precedent.
A legal challenge will be launched on Monday by co-founder Huda Ammori at the High Court.
Civil rights groups, cultural figures, and hundreds of legal professionals have denounced the move as authoritarian, accusing the UK of aligning with Israeli oppression by labeling anti-genocide activism as terrorism.
