Banned Pro-Palestinian activists plan to overwhelm London police By inciting mass arrests

London is preparing for a weekend of pro-Palestinian protests and demonstrations against migrants being housed in hotels. While such events occur every week in the British capital, the Met Police warns of events requiring a larger policing presence due to their ties to a banned group.

London's law enforcement agencies predict that one of the protests will see participants knowingly break the law by showing support for Palestine Action, an organization recently proscribed as a terrorist group by the UK government, The National reports.

Over 100 people have been arrested at similar events so far for their allegiance to the group, which has been red-flagged by the government after their members broke into an airfield of the Royal Air Force (RAF) and caused an estimated £7 million of damage to jets in July. The organization is currently challenging the government's terror designation in the courts.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is leading the police operation, said: “Participants are coming out not just to express a view, but with the aim of being arrested in very large numbers to place a strain on the police and the wider criminal justice system.” He warned anyone showing such support would be arrested.

Extra officers have been deployed from the afternoon on August 8 near hotels hosting migrants in Islington and Canary Wharf, in anticipation of possible protests and counter-protests, with patrols continuing until August 10. Police will also oversee anti-Israeli military action protests in other parts of the city. 

The regular Saturday march through central London, organized by the Palestine Coalition, will be joined by a separate Parliament Square protest by Defend Our Juries, whose participants also intend to break the law by displaying Palestine Action support. Over 100 people have been arrested at similar events.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, leading the operation, said: “Participants are coming out not just to express a view, but with the aim of being arrested in very large numbers to place a strain on the police and the wider criminal justice system.”

He warned anyone showing such support would be arrested.

The so-called "National March for the Hostages", organized by Stop the Hate and other Jewish groups, will also take place in central London this week to attract attention to the ongoing plight of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The London Met Police will provide full security operation to protect the attendees.

By Nazrin Sadigova