British police arrested 77 people outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Thursday as crowds gathered to support Palestine Action, an activist group proscribed as a terrorist organization in the United Kingdom, according to London’s Metropolitan Police. The demonstration marked the first public protest in support of the group since Andy Burnham assumed office as prime minister earlier this month.
Protest Organized Against Terrorism Act Charges
The rally was organized by the Defend Our Juries activist group to picket the start of court hearings for the first wave of thousands of individuals charged with voicing support for Palestine Action. According to London’s Metropolitan Police, expressing support for the group constitutes an offense under the Terrorism Act, prompting officers to begin immediate arrests.
Photographs posted online showed dozens of demonstrators gathered in central London, with several waving Palestinian flags. Defend Our Juries stated on X that hundreds of people assembled outside the court to contest the terrorism designation, though exact attendance figures remain unconfirmed by independent authorities.
Did you know? Under the UK Terrorism Act, expressing support for a proscribed organization—such as through public statements or encouraging membership—carries potential prison sentences of up to 14 years.
Political Repercussions and Government Scrutiny
Israel’s assault on Gaza was not a priority for the government during Keir Starmer’s tenure, and critics have accused his administration of being complicit. While Burnham conceded before taking office that his Labour Party “didn’t get it right” on Gaza and issued an apology, rights groups argue that his words lack meaning without concrete policy changes.
Adding to the political friction, Green Party Leader Zack Polanski publicly demanded that Burnham reverse the proscription of Palestine Action. Polanski argued in a post on X that the prime minister holds the power to scrap the ban and end the police crackdowns, stating that such measures have no place in a democracy.
Supreme Court Appeal and Legal Challenges
Simultaneously, the legal battle over the group’s status continues to move through the British court system. The UK Supreme Court announced on Thursday that it will hear an appeal against the terrorist designation imposed on Palestine Action. A lower court previously ruled in June that the government’s ban was lawful due to the group’s alleged support for violence, despite a February High Court ruling that found the proscription unlawfully interfered with freedom of expression.
Huda Ammori, cofounder of Palestine Action and leader of the legal challenge, secured permission to appeal on Wednesday, according to the Supreme Court’s website. Ammori stated that the organization intends to fight the proscription up to the Supreme Court and, if necessary, the European Court of Human Rights, calling the ban one of the most severe attacks on free speech and protest rights in modern British history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were protesters arrested outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court?
According to the Metropolitan Police, 77 people were arrested because expressing support for Palestine Action is a criminal offense under the UK Terrorism Act.
Who organized the demonstration in London?
The protest was organized by the Defend Our Juries activist group to contest the prosecution of individuals charged with voicing support for Palestine Action.
What is the status of the legal challenge against Palestine Action’s ban?
The UK Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal brought by cofounder Huda Ammori to challenge the government’s terrorist designation of the group.
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