Britain: British police made 27 to 29 arrests over the weekend in central London for terrorism-related offenses following protesters demonstrating support for Palestine Action–an organization newly proscribed under Britain’s Terrorism Act 2000 and proscribed starting midnight, criminalizing affiliation and support. These arrests occurred only hours later than midnight.
Palestine Action, known for their direct actions targeting UK defence facilities and companies linked to Israeli arms, was officially designated a terrorist organization by Parliament on July 2. Following activists breaking into RAF Brize Norton on June 20, damaging two refuelling aircraft, Home Office moved swiftly with their proscription by 385 votes to 26 in both houses of Parliament, with Lords giving final sign-off just before Friday night’s deadline (haurtz.com, theguardian.com and Wikipedia are providing details).
On Saturday, supporters gathered near Mahatma Gandhi statue at Parliament Square. Many held placards protesting genocide and showing solidarity with Palestine Action. Sky News footage and media reports captured police leading away protestors – including an 83-year-old Anglican priest– from handcuffs en masse, according to Sky News footage and media reports (The Independent.com +12 and The Guardian +12 for example). The Independent had reported these arrests earlier. reuters.com
Authorities stated that showing support for proscribed groups constituted “expressing approval”, and as such could constitute criminal conduct with prison terms up to 14 years. theguardian.com; Reuter’s; Wikipedia and
Civil Liberties Vs National Security Critics of the ban argue it conflates peaceful protest with terrorist activity. Civil rights groups and UN experts have voiced concern that public order and protest laws such as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 are being used to suppress dissent; many feel Palestine Action’s assertion of public safety risks do not justify such legislation being applied broadly across society. [Wikipedia | Reuter’s | Guardian].
Protesters and legal commentators alike described the police response to Parliament Square as authoritarian, with most arrests coming from holding signs rather than engaging in physical altercations. A spokesperson from Defend Our Juries, which organized the Parliament Square vigil, described it as an attempt at chilling free expression, youtube.com/86949265985 Washingtonpost.com/869292651 (the ban is currently enforced until further notice).
Youth Demand protesters were arrested during London Pride parade for disrupting it by throwing red paint on a Cisco float, accusing it of providing Israel. These individuals were held under public order offenses as an indicator of increased enforcement activity. (sources: times.co.uk, reuters.com and sun.co.uk).
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The ban classifies Palestine Action alongside well-established extremist groups such as Hamas and al-Qaeda – though it marks an unprecedented direct action climate of protest in the UK. (En.wikipedia.org | Guardian).
What Are My Next Steps? Palestine Action has launched a High Court challenge to contest its proscription. Counter-terror officials argue that damage to military assets, estimated at approximately PS7 million, and disruption warrant the designation. Four activists already face criminal charges regarding an RAF base protest; their court appearance date has been scheduled for July 18. For more information, visit France24.com, Apnews, or The Sun (CO UK) by following links above.
As this tension escalates, political and human rights groups discuss the erosion of protest spaces in the UK. Authorities contend it’s essential for national security; civil libertarians warn it may set a dangerous precedent penalizing nonviolent dissent. Further protests can be expected as legal battle over Palestine Action’s status unfolds.
The arrests mark a pivotal moment in UK governance, sparking heated discussions over where to draw the line between lawful protest and terroristic action.