LONDON, UK: In an unprecedented move, British authorities arrested nearly 900 demonstrators during a large-scale protest in support of the recently banned activist group Palestine Action. The sweeping crackdown unfolded outside Parliament Square, where around 1,500 protesters had gathered under the campaign “Lift The Ban.”
According to police, 857 individuals were charged under anti-terrorism laws for endorsing a proscribed organisation, while 33 others were detained on charges of public disorder and assaulting law enforcement officers. The action is being described as one of the biggest single-day arrest operations carried out by the Metropolitan Police in recent years.
The UK government had earlier declared Palestine Action a terrorist group in July, citing acts of vandalism against military-linked infrastructure, including aircraft at an RAF base. With the designation in place, even symbolic support for the group can carry prison terms of up to 14 years.
Organisers of the demonstration, however, condemned the arrests, calling it a “heavy-handed attack on democratic rights.” They stressed that their protest was peaceful, accusing the authorities of trying to silence pro-Palestinian voices. Civil rights activists and UN officials have also raised concerns, warning that the crackdown risks undermining freedom of expression and assembly.
On the same day, a separate 20,000-strong Palestine Coalition march took place without major disturbances, further intensifying debate over selective enforcement and political motives behind the arrests. Meanwhile, Palestine Action has launched a legal challenge against its ban, with hearings expected later this month.
Observers note that the episode highlights the growing tension between security concerns and civil liberties in Britain, a debate that is likely to intensify in the weeks ahead.
This story has been reported by PakTribune. All rights reserved.