Five members of a group opposing the ban on Palestine Action have been arrested by counter-terror police as they prepared to announce further protests in London.
Defend Our Juries, the group behind the protests, stated that the arrests were an “unprecedented assault on free speech.” The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests, saying they were part of an ongoing investigation into individuals suspected of encouraging support for the proscribed group Palestine Action.
The police force emphasized that showing support for Palestine Action or encouraging others to do so could lead to arrest, investigation, and prosecution.
Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan, head of operations for the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, stated, “Palestine Action is clearly proscribed as a terrorist group, and those showing support for this particular group, or encouraging others to do so can expect to be arrested, investigated and prosecuted.”
Defend Our Juries plans to proceed with its mass action, despite the arrests. A spokesperson for the group said, “Despite this dystopian crackdown targeting perceived organisers of peaceful protests, the mass action will go ahead, with 1,000 people pledging to hold signs.”
The group added that among those detained were a former government lawyer and a law student, which they described as “scandalous.”
The arrests follow a series of protests over the summer against the ban on Palestine Action, in which over 700 people were arrested and 114 charged with alleged support for the group.
The government banned Palestine Action under terrorism laws after paint was daubed on jets at RAF Brize Norton, causing £7 million worth of damage. Membership or support for Palestine Action is now a crime that can lead to up to 14 years in jail.
Kerry Moscogiuri, from Amnesty International UK, expressed concern over the arrests, stating that they were “incredibly concerning” and that those held should be immediately released.
The Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, has defended the proscription of Palestine Action, describing it as more than a “regular protest group known for occasional stunts.”
The case has sparked debate over free speech and the right to protest. Palestine Action has won permission to challenge the ban, with the case to be heard at the High Court in November. The group argues that the ban breaches the right to free speech and has gagged legitimate protest.