UK Police Arrest 365 at Pro-Palestine Protest in London
Introduction
On Sunday, UK police arrested at least 365 people at a Palestine Action protest in London, sparking outrage among critics. The ban on the activist group has been accused of stifling freedom of speech and assembly, as well as targeting pro-Palestine demonstrations. As tensions continue to rise in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the action taken by UK authorities has raised concerns about the restriction of civil liberties and the right to protest.
Key Details
The ban on Palestine Action was implemented under the UK government's "counter-terrorism" laws, labeling the group as a "threat to public order." However, many have condemned the ban as a political move to silence pro-Palestine voices. The recent protest in London was organized to call for an end to the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and show solidarity with the Palestinian people. Despite the ban, demonstrators gathered in large numbers, resulting in the mass arrests by police.
Impact
The arrests have sparked outrage and condemnation from both domestic and international communities, with many pointing to the violation of civil rights and freedom of expression. The ban on Palestine Action has been seen as a clear attempt to suppress the pro-Palestine movement and prevent any criticism of Israel's actions. As the conflict continues to escalate, the UK's actions have raised concerns about the prioritization of political interests over human rights and democracy
About the Organizations Mentioned
Palestine Action
**Palestine Action** is a direct action movement founded in 2020 with the goal of dismantling Israel’s military-industrial complex by targeting companies that profit from the Israeli occupation and alleged apartheid regime. The group employs disruptive tactics aimed at halting arms trade and business operations linked to Israel’s military activities, particularly focusing on Elbit Systems, a major Israeli weapons manufacturer. Palestine Action organizes workshops and training seminars to build a grassroots movement committed to these objectives[1]. The organization has engaged in high-profile direct actions including property damage and business disruptions, which have drawn significant legal and political attention. A notable incident occurred in June 2025 when members sprayed red paint on two RAF aircraft at Brize Norton airbase in the UK, leading to criminal charges and sparking government action[2][4]. Subsequently, the UK government proscribed Palestine Action as a terrorist organization in July 2025 under anti-terrorism laws, citing coordinated criminal activities against defense firms. This proscription marked a controversial shift in legal policy, as Palestine Action’s activities are primarily protests and property damage targeting military-related infrastructure rather than violent acts against people[2][4]. The proscription has been challenged legally and criticized by human rights advocates and UN experts, who warn that labeling peaceful political protest as terrorism risks undermining civil liberties such as freedom of expression and assembly. UN experts specifically urged the UK not to misuse terrorism legislation against Palestine Action, emphasizing the potential chilling effect on human rights advocacy[5]. Palestine Action remains active despite legal pressures, continuing its campaign against companies involved in arms manufacturing and export to Israel. Its combination of grassroots mobilization, direct action, and confrontations with state authorities makes it a significant and contentious player in the intersection of activism, business disruption, and international human rights debate[1][2][5].
