On Saturday, British police arrested almost 900 activists on the final day of a major demonstration in London. The demonstration served as a show of support for the now-banned Palestine Action. The protest coincided with the UK government’s controversial decision to proscribe the group under the Terrorism Act 2000, igniting widespread outrage among demonstrators.
These protests, organized by Defend Our Juries, attracted a spirited crowd. Among them were vicars, priests, war veterans and descendants of Holocaust survivors. As of July 24th, local reports have cited that authorities have detained 890 individuals. Out of them, 857 were detained on suspicion of aiding the outlawed group.
To add to the anxiety and desperation, rally participants saw the Israeli military ramping up their deadly operations in Gaza. Eyewitness accounts told a very different story, documenting all forms of violence including one man who was photographed with blood pouring down his face following his arrest. Deputy Assistant Police Commissioner Claire Smart said officers faced “sustained and coordinated” violence. This violence took place as they were doing all they could to help control the protest.
Beyond the arrests in London, solidarity rallies were held in Belfast and Edinburgh. Police Scotland found that two men, aged 67 and 82, were arrested and charged under the Terrorism Act. A third man, 63 years old, was charged with a hate crime. This serves to exemplify how grave the charges against certain protesters really are.
The organization Defend Our Juries released a statement on this incident, strongly condemning the actions of law enforcement. They criticized the Metropolitan Police for what they described as violent arrests, claiming that video footage shows officers “wielding their batons and pushing people to the ground.”
“Among the 857 arrestees were vicars and priests, war veterans and descendants of Holocaust survivors, retired teachers and healthcare workers.” – Defend Our Juries
The protests weren’t only limited to central London. Organizers pointed to an increasing resentment toward the government’s approach to Palestine Action and its allies. As tensions rise within the UK regarding foreign policy and domestic rights to protest, many participants expressed their intent to stand against what they deemed an unjust law.
In the case of Ammori, he brought action against former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. He questions her decision to label Palestine Action as a terrorist group. This legal challenge could be a watershed moment in shaping how the government approaches, in a more strategic and systemic way, a response to white supremacy and activism going forward.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart sought to ease questions on freedom of expression during the protests. She made clear the difference between legally expressing support for a cause and behavior that escalates to violence or chaos.
“You can express your support for a cause without committing an offence under the Terrorism Act or descending into violence and disorder, and many thousands of people do that in London every week.” – Deputy Assistant Police Commissioner Claire Smart
Advocates for Palestine Action have only ever wanted to engage in peaceful civil protest. They vote with their feet and they register their upfront opposition to misguided policies through loud protests as the events develop. By the end of the protests, nearly 900 people had been arrested. These recent arrests bring serious implications for civil liberties and government overreach here in the UK.
