More than 200 arrests at Palestine Action protest
Over 200 Individuals Apprehended During Palestine Action Rally
The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 212 people were arrested during a demonstration in central London against the ban on Palestine Action. The event, held in Trafalgar Square, saw hundreds of attendees rallying under banners advocating for the group, including signs that read “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” These slogans, previously seen at the organization’s earlier rallies, underscored the participants’ stance on the issue.
Protest Context and Legal Background
Palestine Action was designated a proscribed organization in July 2025 under anti-terror laws. While a High Court ruling in February deemed the ban unlawful, it remained active until an appeal was resolved. The police had initially hinted at easing enforcement after the court decision, but reversed course in March, resuming arrests for supporting the group.
Participants’ Resolve and Statements
Despite the legal risk, attendees expressed determination. Robert Del Naja, a founding member of the band Massive Attack, stated he attended the protest believing police actions to resume arrests were “ridiculous.” He added that he would argue in court, asserting, “this was an unlawful arrest and, therefore, I don’t accept it.” Del Naja, known for the 1990s hit “Unfinished Sympathy,” claimed the group’s actions were “highly patriotic” as they aimed to shield the country from war crimes and international law violations.
“The only people [the government] are willing to take action against are the people trying to stop it.”
Linda Walker, another protester, highlighted the ongoing genocide in Gaza, emphasizing that the government’s focus on critics rather than supporters of the group was “a clear contradiction.” Another participant noted she had faced arrests multiple times before and anticipated similar outcomes this weekend.
As of 16:50 BST, the Met Police reported continuing arrests for supporting the proscribed organization. Since the ban was imposed by then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper last summer, over 2,200 individuals have been detained for allegedly endorsing Palestine Action, with legal proceedings suspended pending resolution of the group’s status.
