Forty-seven people were arrested during a demonstration in Westminster on Thursday afternoon, as protesters gathered in support of the banned organisation Palestine Action.
Protest Outside Ministry of Justice
The protest was organised by the group Defend Our Juries, with participants sitting outside the Ministry of Justice building holding cardboard signs that read "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."
Some demonstrators gathered with Palestine flags before Metropolitan Police officers began carrying people away from the scene. The peaceful demonstration marked the latest in a series of protests since Palestine Action was proscribed by the government.
Background of the Ban and Legal Challenge
The ban against Palestine Action came into effect on July 5, making membership or support for the direct action group a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The prohibition followed alleged attacks on an Israel-based defence firm's UK site and two planes at RAF Brize Norton. Co-founder Huda Ammori is currently taking legal action against former home secretary Yvette Cooper's decision to proscribe the group under anti-terror laws, with a further court hearing scheduled for late November.
Growing Number of Charges
Scotland Yard revealed on Thursday that an additional 120 people had been charged with showing support for Palestine Action during a demonstration in Parliament Square on August 9.
This development brings the total number of charges for this offence in London to 254. Those recently charged are due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court between November 24 and December 9.
