More than 200 people were arrested in central London on Saturday during the first mass demonstration opposing the proscription of Palestine Action since the group’s ban was ruled unlawful by the high court.
The protest took place in Trafalgar Square, where hundreds of people gathered with signs reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Many demonstrators sat on camping chairs or on the ground while holding their placards during the afternoon rally.
By 4.50pm, the Metropolitan police said 212 people had been arrested. The force said those detained ranged in age from 27 to 82.
The demonstration marked the first major public response since the court decision that found the ban unlawful. Large crowds gathered despite the risk of arrest, and the square became the focal point for the latest challenge to the proscription.
The arrests and detentions were carried out as police monitored the gathering in the city centre. The event drew a significant turnout and highlighted the continuing dispute over the group’s status following the high court ruling.
