More than 200 people were arrested during a protest against the ban on Palestine Action in central London, according to multiple reports. The demonstration took place in Trafalgar Square, with hundreds of protesters gathering to show their support for the banned group.
Key Takeaways
Over 200 people were arrested during a protest against the ban on Palestine Action in central London. The demonstration was held in Trafalgar Square and included supporters holding signs expressing opposition to genocide and support for Palestine Action.
- Over 200 arrests made at Palestine Action protest in London
- Protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square with signs supporting the banned group
- Met Police warned of potential criminal offences ahead of the demonstration
- More than 3,000 people have been arrested for expressing support for Palestine Action since it was banned last year
The Metropolitan Police said they made the arrests as people showed support for a proscribed organisation. Protesters carried signs reading "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action," which have been seen at previous protests organised by the group. The demonstration, named Everyone Day, was called by Defend our Juries to show resistance to the ban on Palestine Action.
The ban on supporting Palestine Action became illegal in July 2025 after the government banned it under anti-terror legislation. Although a High Court ruled the ban unlawful in February, it remained in place pending an appeal. The Met Police had initially indicated that officers would be unlikely to make arrests following the High Court judgement but resumed arresting protesters for supporting Palestine Action in March.
Ahead of Saturday's demonstration, the Met Police issued a statement warning of "criminal offences" and urging people to reflect on the "potential consequences" of attending. Commander Claire Smart, leading policing operations in London this weekend, said that showing support for a proscribed organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act.
Among those arrested was Massive Attack musician Robert Del Naja, who sat with demonstrators holding a sign before being carried away by officers. The protest group Defend Our Juries stated that the demonstration aimed to show that resistance to the ban on Palestine Action is "stronger than ever." More than 3,000 people have been arrested for allegedly expressing support for Palestine Action since it was banned last year.
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