Police in central London arrested 466 individuals on Saturday during protests against the United Kingdom government’s ban on the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action under anti-terrorism legislation.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed via X that by 9 p.m., 466 people had been detained for supporting Palestine Action.
Additionally, eight other arrests were made, including five for assaults on officers, though no serious injuries were reported.
Palestine Action, a UK-based organization, campaigns against arms manufacturers supplying Israel.
The group was proscribed in July following an incident in June when two activists infiltrated Britain’s largest air base, causing damage to two military aircraft.
The ban equates Palestine Action with terrorist groups like Hamas, al Qaeda, and ISIS, making membership or public support illegal.
On Saturday afternoon, thousands gathered at Parliament Square in London for a demonstration organized by Defend Our Juries.
The Metropolitan Police warned that anyone showing support for the banned group would be arrested.
An 80-year-old protester from Surrey, who wished to remain anonymous, described the protest as a way to expose what she called “a farce” in the government’s decision.
Organizers aimed for at least 500 peaceful sit-in protesters holding signs. She noted seeing some being taken away by police but added, “there simply weren’t enough police to arrest all.”
Organizers estimated attendance at over a thousand, with many holding placards stating “I oppose Genocide, I support Palestine Action,” defying Home Secretary Yvette Cooper’s ban.
Police earlier estimated about 500 to 600 people at the start of the protest, many of whom were bystanders, media, or individuals not supporting Palestine Action.
Scotland Yard assured that anyone visibly supporting Palestine Action had been or was being arrested.
Those detained were processed at holding centers around Westminster, and many were bailed with conditions preventing them from attending further Palestine Action protests.
CNN reporters on the scene observed tense moments as protesters were arrested, with onlookers shouting “shame on you” as police removed peaceful demonstrators.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper commended the police for handling “the very small number of people whose actions crossed the line into criminality,” emphasizing that while protest rights are fiercely protected, support for this particular proscribed group is not tolerated.
Amnesty International UK condemned the arrests, calling them a breach of the UK’s international commitments to freedom of expression and assembly.
Meanwhile, Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori recently won permission from a London High Court judge to challenge the government’s ban through a judicial review.