More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest
Over 200 Individuals Detained During Palestine Action Protest
The Metropolitan Police reported that more than 200 people were taken into custody during a demonstration against the ban on Palestine Action in central London. The arrests occurred as participants expressed support for a group deemed unlawful under anti-terror laws. A large crowd assembled in Trafalgar Square, carrying signs that read “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” a message previously seen at the organization’s rallies.
Protest Details
The event, dubbed Everyone Day, was organized by Defend our Juries, who framed it as a show of “persistent resistance to the Palestine Action ban.” Alongside the core slogans, attendees also held placards advocating for the right to protest and criticizing the US and Israeli policies. The demonstration marked a significant moment as the Met Police resumed arrests after a temporary pause following a High Court ruling that declared the ban unlawful.
Legal Context
Palestine Action’s activities were made unlawful in July 2025 under the Terrorism Act. Though the ban was invalidated in February, it remained in effect while appeals were processed. Despite this, the Met Police warned attendees of “criminal offences” and potential consequences of participating. Commander Claire Smart, overseeing the protest, stated, “Those attending should be aware that supporting a banned organization is a legal violation, and we will not hesitate to act when the law is broken.”
“I believe Palestine Action’s actions were highly patriotic because they were protecting our country from serious war crimes and breaking international law. How much more patriotic can you be than that?”
Robert Del Naja, a founding member of the band Massive Attack, joined the protest, expressing willingness to face arrest. He emphasized that he would challenge the legality of his detention in court, asserting, “this was an unlawful arrest and, therefore, I don’t accept it.” Del Naja, known for the 1990s hit “Unfinished Sympathy,” had previously stated his intent to participate in the demonstration.
Linda Walker, another protester, cited the ongoing genocide in Gaza as her reason for attending. “The only people [the government] are willing to take action against are those trying to stop it,” she said. Meanwhile, a different participant mentioned her history of being arrested 10 times before, anticipating a similar outcome.
By 16:50 BST, the Met Police confirmed 212 arrests had been made, with operations continuing “where individuals show support for a banned organization.” Since the group’s designation under the Terrorism Act 2000 last summer by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, over 2,200 people have been arrested for allegedly endorsing Palestine Action. Legal proceedings for those accused of displaying protest signs are paused as the dispute over the ban’s validity continues.
