British police reported Sunday that 325 individuals were arrested during a protest in London on Saturday, organized by supporters of Palestine Action. The demonstration occurred ahead of a critical court appeal concerning the government's controversial decision to ban the group.
The demonstrators held a significant protest outside the United States embassy in London. This action precedes a two-day hearing scheduled at the Supreme Court, commencing Wednesday, which will examine the UK government's July 2025 designation of Palestine Action as an unlawful organization under anti-terrorism legislation.
The United States had previously designated Palestine Action as a "terrorist" entity in August. This British ban places the group on a blacklist alongside organizations such as Palestinian militant group Hamas, making it a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years imprisonment, to be a member of or support Palestine Action.
According to campaigners and police figures, the designation has led to over 4,000 arrests, including many elderly individuals and Holocaust survivors, for expressing support for the group. London's Metropolitan Police stated, "The vast majority of arrests -- 320 -- were for expressing support for a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act."
Separately, a smaller protest took place outside the US consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Saturday. However, Police Scotland confirmed no arrests were made at that location during the demonstration. The police statement indicated that investigations are ongoing to identify individuals seen wearing clothing or carrying banners in support of the proscribed organization, with evidence being reviewed for further appropriate action.
