Police arrest dozens at London rally supporting Palestine Action
British police arrested dozens of protesters outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in London during a rally organized by Defend Our Juries to support Palestine Action, which is designated as a terrorist organization in the UK. The demonstration marked the first such protest since Andy Burnham became prime minister, with attendees expressing opposition to charges against those voicing support for the proscribed group.
A gathering outside Westminster Magistrates' Court in central London on Thursday drew police intervention as crowds assembled to demonstrate solidarity with Palestine Action, an organization classified as terrorist under UK law. The event was coordinated by Defend Our Juries, an activist collective, to mark the beginning of legal proceedings against individuals charged with expressing support for the proscribed group.
According to London's Metropolitan Police Service, officers initiated arrests as the demonstration unfolded, with the force stating that expressing support for Palestine Action constitutes an offense under the Terrorism Act. Defend Our Juries characterized the gathering as an effort to protect the integrity of the legal system, while critics have framed the government's approach as an attempt to restrict civil liberties in connection with Israel's military operations in Gaza.
The rally represented the first public show of support for Palestine Action since Andy Burnham assumed the role of prime minister and Labour Party leadership earlier in the month. Burnham has signaled a shift in Labour's foreign policy stance on Gaza, previously acknowledging that the party "didn't get it right" on the issue and expressing regret. However, observers note that his stated commitment to reassessing the party's position remains to be demonstrated through concrete policy changes.
Zack Polanski, leader of the UK Green Party, called on Burnham to rescind Palestine Action's proscription status, arguing that maintaining such restrictions contradicts democratic principles. Polanski, who identifies as the Greens' first Jewish leader, has faced criticism from right-wing media outlets over his advocacy for Palestinian causes and opposition to Israeli military actions.
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