More than 90 people have been arrested in London at the first major 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 on Saturday afternoon, where hundreds of people gathered to make their opposition clear. Demonstrators held signs reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Many sat on camping chairs or on the ground while holding their placards during the event.
The Metropolitan police said the ages of those arrested ranged from 27 to 82.
First major protest since the court ruling
The gathering marked the first large-scale demonstration on the issue after the High Court found the ban on Palestine Action unlawful. The protest drew a sizeable crowd to central London and appeared to be organised as a public show of support for the group.
Police were present as the demonstration unfolded, and arrests and detentions followed during the afternoon. The force did not immediately provide further details in the source about the circumstances surrounding each arrest.
The scene in Trafalgar Square involved a large number of participants staying seated, with signs displayed openly throughout the protest. The age range reported by the Metropolitan police suggests the demonstration included both younger and older supporters.
The protest comes at a time of continued public division over Palestine Action and the legal status of its ban. Saturday’s event was notable not only for its size, but also because it was the first mass demonstration of its kind since the court ruling.
As the afternoon progressed, the gathering remained focused on opposition to the proscription of the group, with attendees using placards and a peaceful seated protest style to make their views known.
