Police officers detain protesters during a protest against the British government’s ban on Palestine Action. (Photo: Reuters)
At least 48 people were arrested during a protest outside the US Embassy in London on Saturday in support of Palestine Action, a group banned by the UK government as a terrorist organisation. More than 100 people took part in the demonstration, with several holding placards reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action. The protests came ahead of a November 4 hearing at the Supreme Court in an appeal against the UK government’s decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation.
No arrests were reported in Edinburgh.
London’s Metropolitan Police said most of the arrests were related to people expressing support for a proscribed organisation. “Officers remain at the scene and are continuing to make arrests,” the police said in a statement, the Associared Press reported. Some protesters applauded and chanted “free, free Palestine” as those arrested were taken to police vans. However, Police Scotland said it was investigating to identify people seen wearing T-shirts and holding banners expressing support for the proscribed organisation. “Evidence is being reviewed and further action will be taken as appropriate,” Police Scotland said.