Over 500 Arrested at London Protest Supporting Banned Palestine Action
On April 11, 2026, London police arrested over 500 demonstrators in Trafalgar Square for supporting Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organization. The protest occurred despite a February High Court ruling declaring the ban unlawful, as the UK government secured permission to appeal. Organized by Defend Our Juries, the rally featured hundreds of participants, including many elderly individuals, who faced detention under terrorism laws. This mass arrest highlights intensifying tensions between state security measures and civil liberties regarding pro-Palestinian activism in the UK, with nearly 3,000 arrests recorded since the initial ban.
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Over 500 Arrested at London Rally Supporting Palestine Action
London police arrested 523 protesters during a mass demonstration in Trafalgar Square on April 11, 2026, organized to oppose the UK government's ban on the campaign group Palestine Action. Demonstrators, ranging in age from 18 to 87, were detained for holding placards supporting the group, which was designated a terrorist organization in July 2025. Although the High Court overturned the ban in February citing free speech concerns, the government appealed the ruling, leading police to resume enforcement in late March. Protest organizers, Defend Our Juries, accused the UK government of complicity in Gaza and criticized the crackdown on peaceful protest. Amnesty International UK condemned the mass arrests as a blow to civil liberties, highlighting the detention of elderly individuals. Since the initial ban, nearly 3,000 arrests have been made. A judge has suspended all related trials pending a review scheduled for July 30. The event underscores ongoing tensions regarding free speech, counter-terrorism laws, and public dissent concerning the conflict in Gaza.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraOver 500 Arrested at Pro-Palestinian Rally in London Supporting Banned Group
London police arrested more than 500 individuals during a pro-Palestinian demonstration held on Saturday. The rally was organized in support of Palestine Action, a group that the UK government officially designated as a terrorist organization in July. Despite the ban, supporters gathered to protest the decision, which is currently being challenged in court. The large-scale arrest operation highlights the ongoing tensions surrounding the conflict and the UK government's strict stance on groups deemed to support terrorism. The event drew significant police presence to manage the crowds and enforce the legal restrictions placed on Palestine Action. This incident underscores the complex legal and social dynamics involved in public demonstrations related to international conflicts within the United Kingdom. The arrests mark one of the largest single-day detainments related to pro-Palestinian activism in recent times, reflecting the heightened security measures and legal enforcement strategies employed by authorities in response to banned organizations and their supporters.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesOver 500 Arrested at Pro-Palestine Action Rally in London
London police arrested more than 500 individuals during a pro-Palestinian demonstration held on Saturday in Trafalgar Square. The mass protest was organized to show solidarity with Palestine Action, a group that has recently been banned by the UK government. The large-scale arrests have intensified ongoing debates concerning civil liberties, the right to dissent, and the legal boundaries of public protest in the United Kingdom. Activists gathered in central London to voice their opposition to the ban and support for Palestinian causes, leading to significant police intervention. The event highlights the growing tension between state security measures and freedom of assembly, drawing attention from international media and human rights advocates. As authorities enforce the prohibition of Palestine Action, the sheer number of detentions underscores the scale of public resistance and the complex legal challenges surrounding political activism in contemporary Britain. This incident serves as a focal point for discussions on how democratic societies balance national security interests with the fundamental rights of citizens to engage in political expression and collective action.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesMet Police Arrest Over 500 Protesters in London Against Palestine Action Ban
London’s Metropolitan Police arrested 523 individuals during a mass demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, aimed at challenging the UK government's ban on the direct action group Palestine Action. This protest marks the first large-scale public opposition since the High Court declared the proscription of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization unlawful. Despite this judicial ruling, UK Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood has secured approval to appeal the decision, and law enforcement agencies have been directed to continue arresting anyone displaying support for the group. The demonstrators, comprising a significant number of pensioners, carried signs stating, "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." The event highlights the ongoing tension between civil liberties activists and state security measures regarding pro-Palestinian advocacy groups in the United Kingdom. The police operation resulted in a substantial number of detentions, underscoring the strict enforcement of the ban despite the recent legal setback for the government. The incident reflects the broader geopolitical and domestic political debates surrounding the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on UK internal security policies and public protest rights.
Section FeedLondon Police Arrest 212 at Protest Against Palestine Action Ban
On April 11, 2026, London police arrested 212 individuals during a protest in Trafalgar Square opposing the UK government's ban on the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action. The demonstration, organized by Defend Our Juries under the name 'Everyone Day,' marked the first major gathering since the High Court ruled in February that designating the group as a terrorist organization was unlawful. Despite the court's decision, UK Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood has received approval to appeal the ruling. The Metropolitan Police stated that arrests were made because attendees were showing support for a proscribed organization. Palestine Action was originally banned under anti-terrorism legislation last July following incidents where members breached a Royal Air Force base. The group accuses the British government of complicity in Israeli war crimes in Gaza, a claim Israel denies. During the event, protesters held signs and waved Palestinian flags while sitting in the square. This incident highlights ongoing tensions between civil liberties advocates and state security measures regarding pro-Palestinian activism in the United Kingdom.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastLondon Police Arrest Over 200 at Protest Supporting Banned Group Palestine Action
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, London police arrested more than 200 individuals during a demonstration in Trafalgar Square. The protest was organized to oppose the British government's ban on the group Palestine Action, which has been designated as a terrorist organization. According to the Metropolitan Police, 212 protesters, ranging in age from 27 to 82, were detained for supporting the banned entity. The demonstration occurred amidst ongoing legal controversy; although Britain’s High Court ruled in February that the government's decision to outlaw Palestine Action was unlawful, the ban remains in effect while the government pursues an appeal. Police had issued warnings prior to the event regarding the illegality of supporting the proscribed group. The arrests highlight the tension between civil liberties advocates challenging the designation and law enforcement agencies tasked with upholding national security laws. The incident underscores the continued volatility surrounding pro-Palestinian activism in the UK and the strict legal measures employed by authorities against groups labeled as terrorist organizations.
AP NewsOver 200 Arrested at Pro-Palestinian Rally in London Supporting Banned Group
London police arrested more than 200 pro-Palestinian protesters during a sit-down demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Saturday. The demonstrators were detained for displaying placards supporting Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organization by the UK government last July. Although the High Court recently ruled that the ban interfered with freedom of speech and paused related trials pending a review, the Metropolitan Police resumed arrests in late March. Officers removed activists amidst cheers from the crowd, with ages of those arrested ranging from 27 to 82. Organizers from Defend Our Juries estimated around 500 participants, condemning the arrests as a misguided crackdown on peaceful protest and accusing the government of complicity in Gaza. Since the ban was imposed, nearly 3,000 arrests have been made primarily for showing support for the group. The government has been granted leave to appeal the High Court's decision, while legal proceedings for those charged remain on hold until a blanket review scheduled for July 30. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between state security measures and civil liberties regarding pro-Palestinian activism in the UK.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastNearly 100 Arrested at Pro-Palestinian Rally in London Supporting Banned Group
London police arrested 92 protesters during a sit-down demonstration in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, organized in support of Palestine Action, a group recently proscribed as a terrorist organization. Demonstrators held placards backing the banned entity, an act that constitutes a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The arrests occurred despite a recent High Court ruling in February that temporarily challenged the ban on freedom of speech grounds, prompting the Metropolitan Police to pause and then resume enforcement. Organizers from Defend Our Juries estimated 500 participants, condemning the government's stance on Gaza and the domestic crackdown on protest. While the government appeals the court's decision, all related trials have been suspended pending a review in July. Since the ban was imposed last July, nearly 3,000 arrests have been made. Protesters, ranging in age from 27 to 82, expressed defiance, arguing that moral opposition to alleged genocide outweighs legal risks. The event highlights ongoing tensions between civil liberties, counter-terrorism laws, and public dissent regarding the conflict in Gaza.
AL-MONITOR: The Pulse of The Middle EastOver 90 Arrested in London Protesting Palestine Action Ban
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in central London on Saturday to defy the UK government's ban on the direct action group Palestine Action. Approximately 500 protesters assembled at Trafalgar Square, displaying signs stating opposition to genocide and support for the banned organization. The event was met with a significant police presence, resulting in over 90 arrests under terrorism legislation. Many attendees were elderly or frail, with some requiring crutches, while others dressed as Suffragettes to symbolize historical resistance. One woman reportedly fainted during her arrest. Since the proscription of Palestine Action in July 2025, more than 1,600 individuals have been arrested for similar acts of civil disobedience. The protests highlight ongoing tensions between activist groups and state authorities regarding the legal status of pro-Palestinian direct action movements. This incident underscores the continued willingness of supporters to face criminal charges to express solidarity, despite the severe legal consequences imposed by the current counter-terrorism framework.
Section FeedOver 90 Arrested in London as Protesters Defy Ban on Palestine Action
More than 90 individuals were arrested in central London after hundreds gathered in Trafalgar Square to protest the UK government’s proscription of the direct action group Palestine Action. Demonstrators, many of whom were elderly or disabled, risked arrest under terrorism legislation by displaying signs supporting the banned organization. The event featured a heavy police presence, with officers removing protesters who had set up camping chairs and held placards reading 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.' This crackdown follows a High Court ruling in February that deemed the ban unlawful, although the Home Secretary has been granted permission to appeal. Despite an earlier indication by the Metropolitan Police that they would focus on evidence gathering rather than immediate arrests, the force reversed its stance, describing previous comments as an interim position. Participants, including former prisoners from the group and veteran activists, criticized the state's response as authoritarian and out of touch. Since the ban was introduced in July 2025, over 1,600 people have been detained for similar acts of civil disobedience, highlighting ongoing tensions between public dissent and counter-terrorism enforcement in the UK.
Section FeedPolice Arrest Protesters in London Against Ban on Palestine Action
London police arrested demonstrators during a mass vigil in Trafalgar Square organized to oppose the UK government's ban on the activist group Palestine Action. Hundreds gathered for the event, termed 'Everyone Day,' organized by Defend Our Juries, holding signs expressing support for the group and opposition to alleged genocide. Notable incidents included the removal of an elderly woman with walking sticks by officers. The protest highlights tensions following a February High Court ruling that declared the proscription of Palestine Action unlawful and disproportionate. Despite this ruling, the Metropolitan Police reversed its initial stance and resumed arresting individuals for showing support for the group, a move critics argue defies judicial authority. Palestine Action was banned as a terrorist organization in July 2025, making membership or support punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The group advocates against British complicity in Israel's actions. The UK government is scheduled to appeal the High Court's decision in late April. Organizers estimated 1,500 participants attended the demonstration, voicing concerns over free speech and democratic rights in the UK.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraMet Police Arrest Protesters at London Demonstration Supporting Palestine Action
The Metropolitan Police have begun making arrests at a mass demonstration in London's Trafalgar Square, marking the first large-scale protest since the High Court ruled the ban on the group Palestine Action unlawful. Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Saturday afternoon, holding placards with messages such as 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action' and sitting on the ground in a peaceful display. Despite the recent court decision declaring the proscription disproportionate, the Home Secretary was granted permission to appeal, prompting the police to revise their enforcement strategy. Initially, the Met stated they would not arrest individuals for supporting the group but would gather evidence; however, they subsequently resumed arrests, citing the interim nature of their previous stance. Several individuals, including an elderly woman using walking sticks, were seen being carried away by officers. Met Commander Claire Smart warned attendees that supporting a proscribed organization remains an offense under the Terrorism Act. The organizing group, Defend Our Juries, denied allegations of obstruction or abuse, describing the protest as entirely nonviolent. The High Court appeal is scheduled for late April.
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