Police in central London have started arresting individuals during a mass vigil in Trafalgar Square opposing the ban on the campaign group Palestine Action. Hundreds gathered for the demonstration on Saturday, with many holding signs stating, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Several people, including an elderly woman using walking sticks, were escorted away by officers from the protest site.
The protest was organized by the activist group Defend Our Juries (DOJ), which demanded that the UK government lift the ban on Palestine Action and drop all charges and investigations into those arrested under the Terrorism Act for allegedly supporting the campaigners. The group is also protesting against the Metropolitan Police's reversal of its policy to arrest people showing support for Palestine Action, a move that has sparked criticism over free speech and judicial oversight.
Palestine Action is a direct action group that aims to end British complicity in Israel's treatment of Palestinians. It has claimed responsibility for actions such as a break-in at an RAF base where aircraft were painted and an attack on a London business it alleged was linked to weapons manufacturers for Israel. In July 2025, the UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a “terrorist organization,” placing it in the same category as armed groups like al-Qaeda and Hezbollah, making membership or expression of support illegal and punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
On February 13, the High Court ruled the government's proscription of Palestine Action unlawful, calling it “disproportionate” and in breach of freedom of expression. Initially, the Metropolitan Police indicated they were unlikely to arrest supporters following the court ruling, but on March 25, police announced they would resume arrests, a decision that critics say defies the court's authority. Qesser Zuhrah, a Palestine Action hunger striker, told Al Jazeera at the demonstration that the Met's decision shows the police “don’t serve us” and only reinforce government directives.
Organizers estimated that around 1,500 people participated in the vigil. The UK government's appeal against the High Court ruling is scheduled to be heard by the Court of Appeal on April 28 and 29, highlighting ongoing legal and political tensions over civil liberties in the country.
Source: www.aljazeera.com