Mass Arrests at Central London Protest Against Palestine Action Ban
More than two hundred individuals were taken into custody during a significant demonstration in central London on Saturday, as protesters gathered to oppose the government's proscription of Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that a total of 212 arrests were made at Trafalgar Square, with all detentions linked to alleged support for a proscribed organisation.
High-Profile Arrest and Diverse Demonstrators
Among those arrested was Robert Del Naja, the prominent musician from the band Massive Attack, who was seen holding a sign declaring "I Support Palestine Action" before being carried away by three police officers. The age range of those detained was notably broad, spanning from 27 to 82 years old, reflecting a diverse cross-section of participants in the protest.
Hundreds of protesters assembled in Trafalgar Square, many displaying placards with messages such as "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action". A considerable number of the demonstrators, particularly elderly attendees, sat on camping chairs or directly on the ground while holding their signs. Large banners near the National Gallery proclaimed "Jurors deserve to hear the whole truth" and "Israel starves kids", adding to the visual impact of the gathering.
Musician's Defiant Stance and Legal Confidence
Robert Del Naja explained his decision to participate despite potential professional consequences, stating to the Press Association that he felt compelled to attend. "Being a musician, obviously, there was a lot of trepidation around how we might not be able to travel and get visas," he said. "But I thought 'this is ridiculous' and then the police making that U-turn to arrest people again, I thought that is even more ridiculous. So I'm going to hold a sign today."
He expressed confidence in challenging any arrest legally, adding: "If I get arrested, I feel very confident that if I stand up in court with the right guidance and say 'this was an unlawful arrest and, therefore, I don't accept it'." Del Naja further described the actions of Palestine Action as "highly patriotic", arguing they protected the country from involvement in war crimes and breaches of international law.
Arrest Scenes and Protester Accusations
Officers were filmed arresting Mr Del Naja and carrying him away, which prompted cheers from fellow demonstrators. The arrest procedures saw several individuals, including a man and a woman with grey hair, being physically removed by police. Protesters accused officers of dragging a woman without supporting her shoulders, and she was later seen lying with her eyes closed, surrounded by police and bystanders who shouted that she required medical attention.
One woman was heard shouting sarcastically: "Yeah she looks like a terrorist, doesn't she mate?" Another protester declared "Palestine Action is not a proscribed organisation" as she was led away. Demonstrators, some carried by their ankles and under their arms, were taken to a fenced area at the side of Trafalgar Square.
Organiser's Message and Police Policy Shift
The protest was organised by the group Defend Our Juries, which dubbed the event 'Everyone Day' and stated it would demonstrate that resistance to the ban on Palestine Action remains "stronger than ever". The Metropolitan Police had previously indicated that Saturday's action was "likely to involve offending rather than a lawful protest".
In March, the force announced it would resume arresting suspected Palestine Action supporters as a High Court battle over the group's ban continues. Police had temporarily paused arrests in February after the High Court ruled the government's ban was unlawful, but decided to resume operations as an appeal against the ruling is expected to take several months. This policy shift underscores the ongoing legal and political tensions surrounding the proscription.
