Pro-Palestinian Protesters Arrested in UK for Supporting Palestine Action
Dozens of pro-Palestinian activists were arrested in the UK after demonstrating in support of a banned organization. Under British law, expressing support for the group could lead to a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
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A total of 55 individuals were arrested in London on Saturday after taking part in a protest organized under the banner of "Action for Palestine"—an organization recently designated as a terrorist group by the UK government.
The protest took place outside the British Parliament, where demonstrators waved signs bearing the group’s logo and name. London police intervened, citing violations of counterterrorism laws that prohibit expressions of support for outlawed organizations.
According to Reuters, many protesters wore Palestinian flags and keffiyehs. They were detained on the spot for “public identification with a terrorist organization.”
Under British law, supporting a proscribed group carries a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.
A legal appeal filed by the group challenging its terrorist designation is set to be reviewed by the UK Supreme Court on Monday. A previous appeal seeking to delay the enforcement of the ban was rejected.
The group had previously claimed responsibility for vandalizing British and Israeli defense assets, including pouring red paint over two Royal Air Force refueling aircraft in June. These acts of sabotage were cited by Parliament as justification for the new law.