Hundreds detained by police during London's Palestine Action demonstration, law enforcement reported

In a dramatic turn of events, Britain arrested 890 people at a demonstration in support of Palestine Action on Saturday, marking the highest number of detentions from a single such protest to date. The protest near parliament in central London was sparked by the British government's continued support for Israel, with Palestine Action accusing the government of complicity in Israeli war crimes in Gaza.

The group, which was proscribed under anti-terrorism legislation in July, has been at the centre of controversy for some time now. The proscription places Palestine Action alongside groups like al Qaeda and Islamic State, making it a crime to support or belong to the organization, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

Defence minister John Healey stated that firm action was needed to counter accusations of a two-tier policing and justice system by right-wing critics. However, he also emphasized that while he sympathizes with the images from Gaza, linking protests to support for Palestine Action, a proscribed group, is not necessary.

The protest organizers, Defend Our Juries, stated that among those arrested were priests, war veterans, healthcare workers, elderly individuals, and some disabled people. This has sparked criticism from human rights groups who claim the ban on Palestine Action is disproportionate and limits the freedom of expression of peaceful protesters.

The violence encountered during the operation was coordinated and carried out by a group intent on creating disorder, according to Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart. In fact, 17 were arrested for assaults on officers after the protest turned violent.

The arrests followed vandalism and incidents targeting defense firms in Britain with links to Israel. Palestine Action has been accused of damaging military planes at a Royal Air Force base, an action that led to the group's ban by the British government in July.

The spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said, "These mass acts of defiance will continue until the ban is lifted." The future remains uncertain as it is unclear how many of those arrested in recent weeks are still in detention, as many were released on police bail. The issue is likely to remain a contentious one, with both sides passionately advocating for their respective causes.

Hundreds detained by police during London's Palestine Action demonstration, law enforcement reported