The Metropolitan Police in London have arrested 55 individuals under anti-terrorism laws at a demonstration in support of the banned group Palestine Action. The protesters gathered in central London for the third consecutive Saturday to protest the group’s proscription under “anti-terrorism” laws, which makes it a crime to support the organization, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The protesters carried placards declaring, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who led the policing operation, warned that officers would be alert to chanting similar to “death to the IDF,” which was previously used at Glastonbury Festival. “Investigations are also underway, led by Met officers, following similar uses of the same chant in London,” he said.
Adelekan emphasized that those expressing support for Palestine Action “will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.” He urged protesters to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the potential long-term implications, including effects on travel, employment, and finances. “The best way for protesters to stay within the law is to avoid threatening, abusive and insulting language” or any support for banned groups, he advised.
This is not the first time police have arrested protesters for supporting Palestine Action. Last Saturday, 41 individuals were arrested, and the week before that, 29 people were taken into custody.
A static counter-protest by Stop the Hate will also be present at the junction of the Strand and Waterloo Bridge, where the march will pass. Adelekan noted that officers would be particularly vigilant in areas where heated exchanges have occurred in the past, working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving and intervening when necessary to prevent criminal behavior.