Demonstration in London Results in 425 Arrests at Illegally Held Pro-Palestinian Gathering

Protests for the prohibited pro-Palestinian organization result in over 425 arrests in London - London Police Detain Over 425 Individuals During Demonstration for Illegally Operating Palestinian Support Collective

In a controversial move, the UK government designated the group Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation under the Terrorism Act 2000 in early July 2025. This decision makes membership or support of Palestine Action a criminal offence, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The ban followed a protest organised by Palestine Action in London, where over 425 arrests were made. The nature of the protest is not specified, but it is known that members of the group had previously infiltrated a Royal Air Force base in southern England, resulting in the spraying of aircraft with red paint.

The outlawing of Palestine Action has not been without controversy. International organisations, including the UN and human rights groups like Amnesty International, have criticised the ban. The criticism is centred around the threat it poses to freedom of speech.

Since the ban, over 800 people have been arrested in the UK, with 138 suspects charged with supporting or inciting support for a terror organisation. The specifics of the terror organisation are not provided in the information available.

It's important to note that the nature or purpose of Palestine Action is not clearly defined in the provided information. The group's activities and goals remain a topic of ongoing discussion and debate.

Despite the controversy and ongoing arrests, there have been no reported incidents or protests related to Palestine Action since the ban. The focus now shifts to understanding the long-term implications of this decision and its impact on freedom of speech and the rights of individuals in the UK.