London: 425 Protesters Arrested for Supporting 'Palestine Action'

The London police arrested more than 425 people during a massive demonstration in support of the banned group 'Palestine Action', which has been classified as 'terrorist' since last July.

The demonstration, which took place yesterday, Saturday, September 6, in front of the British Parliament building, saw hundreds of protesters gathering, holding signs that read 'I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action', defying police warnings that threatened to arrest anyone who declared support for this organization.

The police stated that the majority of the arrests were due to support for the banned group, while 25 individuals were arrested on charges related to violence against police officers and public order offenses.

Retired Polly Smith (74 years old) denied the accusation, stating: 'We are not terrorists; Palestine Action has the right to exist and the ban should be lifted.'

Also, Nigel (62 years old), the director of a recycling company, confirmed that the ban on the group is a 'grave mistake', calling on the government to focus on stopping 'the genocide in Gaza' instead of suppressing protests.

The demonstration witnessed clashes between the police and protesters, where police officers were subjected to 'unacceptable' assaults, according to Deputy Police Commissioner Claire Smart, who explained that security personnel were kicked, punched, and spat on, but she also emphasized the police's commitment to ensuring the right to peaceful protest.

This controversial ban came in the wake of vandalism carried out by activists affiliated with 'Palestine Action' targeting a base of the Royal Air Force, resulting in financial damages estimated at 7 million pounds (10 million dollars).

This move sparked widespread criticism from human rights organizations, including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Greenpeace, which considered the decision a threat to freedom of expression.

Previously, more than 800 people connected to the group were arrested, and charges of supporting or inciting a terrorist organization were brought against 138 of them, with threats of imprisonment of up to 14 years for those proven to be involved in organizing the protests.

Legally, Huda Amouri, the co-founder of 'Palestine Action', obtained permission to appeal the ban, while the government was granted the right to appeal.

At the same time, another demonstration in support of Palestinians took place in the streets of London, with thousands of participants, while Israel launched new airstrikes on Gaza, targeting control of the city to defeat Hamas.