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Arrests have begun at the first mass demonstration opposing the proscription of Palestine Action since the group’s ban was ruled unlawful by the high court.
Protesters in London’s Trafalgar Square unveiled signs reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Hundreds of demonstrators sat on camping chairs and on the ground as they held up their placards on Saturday afternoon.
At the top of the square, near the National Gallery, large banners were displayed reading: “Jurors deserve to hear the whole truth” and “Israel starves kids”.
Several individuals, including a man and a woman with grey hair, were seen being carried off by officers away from the demonstration. One elderly woman using two walking sticks was escorted by an officer away from the protest in central London.
Shabana Mahmood was given permission to appeal against the high court’s decision. Initially, the Metropolitan police said it would immediately stop arresting people for such offences under the Terrorism Act but would gather evidence for potential future prosecutions.
But after the home secretary was given permission to appeal against the decision the force said it had “revised” its enforcement approach, describing the statement made immediately after the high court’s decision as an “interim position”.
In February, the high court said the government’s proscription of the direct action group was “disproportionate and unlawful” and that most of their activities had not reached the level, scale and persistence to be defined as terrorism.
Mahmood’s appeal to the high court is due to be heard on 28 and 29 April.
Before the demonstration, Met commander Claire Smart, said: “Those attending should be aware that showing support for a proscribed organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act, and we will not hesitate to act where the law is broken.
“At previous events linked to this group we have seen coordinated attempts to disrupt police activity, including obstructing officers and, at times, verbal or physical abuse. Our officers are trained to deal with these situations proportionately and effectively, and we are confident we have the plans and resources in place to respond appropriately, including making arrests where necessary.”
In response, Defend Our Juries, which organises the demonstrations, said on X: “More Met lies. There has not been a single instance of prosecution among our supporter base relating to ‘obstructing officers’ or ‘verbal or physical abuse’.
“Our actions are peaceful, dignified (from our side, at least) and completely nonviolent.”
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