Over 800 individuals detained in London during a rally backing the pro-Palestinian organization, Palestine Action
In a historic display of civil disobedience, thousands gathered in Westminster Parliament Square, London, for a pro-Palestinian rally on Saturday. Similar protests also took place in Belfast and Edinburgh, as part of a broader movement organised by coalitions such as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign and Stop the War.
The event, one of the largest acts of civil disobedience in British history, was met with a strong police presence. The Metropolitan Police had warned that showing support for the illegalised organisation, Palestine Action, constitutes a crime under the Terrorism Act.
Despite the warnings, the rally attracted a crowd of 1600 people, who chanted slogans and carried banners in support of Palestine Action. Among the detainees was a woman in a wheelchair, who was arrested for carrying a banner supporting the pro-Palestinian group.
The Police applied the conditions of the Public Order Act to prevent serious incidents. However, violent clashes were reported during the protest, which lasted into the night. At least 25 people were arrested for physical and verbal violence against police officers.
The majority of arrests were made for supporting the pro-Palestinian group. By the end of the day, a total of 890 people were arrested, with 138 individuals charged for backing Palestine Action since the ban on July 5th.
The illegalisation of Palestine Action, declared a terrorist organisation in the UK, has caused controversy. Kerry Moscogiuri, head of Amnesty International in the UK, stated that expressing support for Palestine Action does not meet the threshold for anti-terrorism laws. Amnesty International, along with Human Rights Watch, has criticised the detentions.
The Police denounced an exceptional level of abuses against officers, including punches, kicks, spitting, and throwing objects. One of the detainees in London was evacuated while the rest were met with chants of "Shame on you".
The illegalisation of Palestine Action and the subsequent arrests have sparked debate and concern among human rights organisations. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the UK government will respond to these growing calls for reform.
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