British police announced on Sunday that they had arrested almost 900 people at a London protest in support of Palestine Action. The mass demonstration took place near Parliament on Saturday and resulted in the highest number of arrests from any single protest linked to the banned group. Police confirmed that 857 people were detained for showing support for the organisation, while 17 others faced charges for assaulting officers.
Authorities banned Palestine Action in July under anti-terrorism laws after its members broke into an RAF base and damaged aircraft. The group has also targeted defence companies tied to Israel. Despite the ban, hundreds of its supporters—many over the age of 60—have continued to protest.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart said the protest turned violent and described the unrest as “coordinated disorder.” Organisers, however, claimed those arrested included priests, war veterans, healthcare staff, elderly citizens, and disabled people.
Palestine Action’s proscription places it in the same category as al Qaeda and Islamic State, with support carrying up to 14 years in prison. Human rights groups have condemned the move as excessive, saying it restricts free speech.
Defence Minister John Healey defended the crackdown, insisting that protest does not require aligning with a banned group.
