More than 90 people have been arrested in central London during a demonstration in support of the pro-Palestinian movement „Palestine Action“, Scotland Yard said.
„Police officers have made 92 arrests for expressing support for the banned organisation. Those arrested range in age from 27 to 82. Officers are continuing to make arrests and the group of protesters is in Trafalgar Square“, the Metropolitan Police said.
This is the first protest since the High Court of England and Wales declared the ban on the pro-Palestinian movement „Palestine Action“ unlawful on February 13. The UK government is appealing the decision.
The police warned that while the trial continues, the organization remains banned and supporting it is punishable by law. On this basis, police detained people on Saturday holding signs reading “I am against genocide. I support “Palestine Action“.
The movement was blacklisted by the United Kingdom on July 5. Membership of “Palestine Action“, attendance at its meetings, and any form of support for its activities became a crime, carrying a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.
Since the organization's ban, approximately 2,000 people have been detained during protests in support of it across the country.