Police in central London have begun a wave of arrests targeting demonstrators protesting the government's decision to ban the group Palestine Action. The crackdown comes as the Home Secretary grants law enforcement greater powers to curtail protest activity across the UK.
Scenes of Defiance in Tavistock Square
Protesters gathered in Tavistock Square, central London, with many sitting on the grass holding signs that read, 'I oppose genocide I support Palestine action.' The demonstration was largely peaceful, but officers moved in to make arrests. Witnesses reported seeing activists being carried out of the square, with one woman's feet dragging on the ground as two officers carried her away.
Surrounding demonstrators responded by clapping for and thanking those being detained by police. The atmosphere highlighted the deep divisions and strong feelings surrounding the issue.
New Police Powers and Rising Arrest Toll
The campaign group has vowed there will be civil disobedience across Britain after Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced police are to be given greater powers to restrict protests. The new measures allow them to consider the 'cumulative impact' of repeated demonstrations when making decisions.
This development follows the charging of another 120 people on Thursday with supporting the banned 'terrorist' group Palestine Action. This brings the total number of accused individuals up to 254. The latest suspects were arrested following a protest on Saturday, August 9, where activists swarmed Parliament Square holding placards and flags.
Counter terrorism investigators confirmed that those charged will appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on a series of dates from November 29 to December 9. They could face a maximum prison sentence of six months or have their record tainted by a terrorism conviction.
Strained Resources and Personal Resolve
Metropolitan Police officials confirmed they were forced to draw officers from other forces to help form a 'significant policing presence' as they faced a busy weekend of demonstrations amidst a number of clashes in the heart of London.
Among the demonstrators was Martin Drummond, a 76-year-old retired research scientist from Norwich. He said he was prepared to be arrested as he was 'outraged' by the restriction on 'free speech' created by Palestine Action's proscription.
'I'm here to protect our free speech - it's absolutely crucial,' Mr Drummond said. 'Our forefathers fought for free speech and I'm bloody well going to defend it.' Though he added he was 'unenthusiastic' about the prospect of being detained, stating, 'I'd like to go home today. I'm not regarding it as a badge of honour.'
In August, more than 500 people held placards in support of the proscribed group, displaying a variety of messages from 'I am on duty to stop genocide' to 'Our right to non-violent protest.' The situation continues to develop as the government and activist groups remain on a collision course over the limits of public protest.
