139 Arrested in London as Protest Erupt Over Palestine Action Ban
London police arrest 139 people during a U.S. Embassy protest defying the banning of Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws.
POLICY WIRE — London, United Kingdom — Authorities have confirmed that 139 individuals were detained during a demonstration held in central London in support of the group Palestine Action.
The arrests took place as crowds gathered to oppose the British government’s recent move to outlaw the pro-Palestinian campaign organization using anti-terrorism laws.
Hundreds of participants assembled outside the United States embassy on Saturday, proceeding despite prior warnings from law enforcement against the rally.
According to the Metropolitan Police, the bulk of those taken into custody were charged with advocating for an organization that is now proscribed.
These demonstrations in both London and Edinburgh occur just days before the UK Supreme Court hears an appeal aimed at the legal status of the banned group.
The police force noted that protests associated with Palestine Action require a massive allocation of resources, drawing officers away from other sectors of the capital.
Data obtained via a freedom of information request reveals the Met spent £1.3 million to manage six public order events regarding Palestine and Israel during the months of June and July.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
