Arrests Made at First Protest in Support of Palestine Action
Twenty-seven individuals, including medics and an elderly priest, were taken into custody in London’s Parliament Square for alleged breaches of the Terrorism Act while demonstrating in support of Palestine Action. The protesters gathered by the statue of Gandhi, holding handmade cardboard signs that declared, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
This protest was organized to back the newly banned group, which was officially added to the terror list in the early hours of July 5. Video recorded at the event captured a gathering of roughly 20–30 people wearing supportive shirts and holding signs opposing what they described as Israel’s actions in Gaza. The footage also documented police beginning to detain several protesters, including an elderly woman dressed in the garb typical of a Christian priest.
The London Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests in an official statement, explaining that more than 20 individuals had been arrested on suspicion of violating the Terrorism Act 2000. According to the statement, officers are tasked with taking action whenever criminal offenses related to proscribed groups are identified.
Legal Developments and Government Action
British lawmakers recently approved a measure to designate the pro-Palestinian group as a terrorist organization, sparking debate over the balance between security and freedom of expression. The proposed amendment to the Terrorism Act 2000, put forward by Labour’s Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, was passed overwhelmingly in the House of Commons.
Effective from 00:01 on July 5, 2025, the law makes it a criminal offense to be a member of or express support for Palestine Action. Soon after the new designation came into force, the Metropolitan Police issued a warning to attendees of upcoming pro-Palestine protests, cautioning them against showing support for banned organizations through clothing, flags, or signs.
Opposing Views and Controversy
A representative from a civil liberties group commented on the arrests by noting that the decisive police action appeared to target peaceful protestors demonstrating their beliefs. The remarks highlighted concerns that law enforcement may be prioritizing the suppression of dissent over addressing genuine security threats.
Labour Party MP Clive Lewis criticized the actions on social media, emphasizing that a peaceful protest under Gandhi’s statue—which included participants as varied as medics, a professor, and a priest—was being mischaracterized as terrorism. He argued that the approach represented a dangerous trend toward stifling free expression.
In response to these criticisms, an official from the Home Office outlined the government’s rationale. The minister explained that the measure aims to strip Palestine Action of any semblance of legitimacy, disrupt its financial backing, and hinder its attempts to recruit and radicalize individuals. The minister stressed that while the proscription does not limit the right to protest, it differentiates between lawful demonstrations and activities associated with extremist behaviors.
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