London police arrest over 400 during protest against ban on Palestine Action group

On August 9, London police arrested 466 people during a protest against the UK government’s decision to ban the pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action.

Palestine Action accuses the British government of complicity in what it calls Israel’s “war crimes” in the Gaza Strip, Caliber.Az writes via foreign media.

In July, UK lawmakers designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization and banned it after some members infiltrated a Royal Air Force base and damaged aircraft.

Protesters, some wearing black-and-white Palestinian keffiyehs and waving Palestinian flags, chanted “Hands off Gaza.”

Police reported that 466 arrests were made for supporting the banned group. Additionally, eight others were detained for other offenses, including five for assaulting officers. Authorities said no serious injuries occurred.

Reuters noted that the ban criminalizes membership in Palestine Action, with a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

Meanwhile, co-founder Huda Ammori obtained permission last week to challenge the ban in court.

By Khagan Isayev