UK police arrest over 20 for supporting banned group Palestine Action Protesters Face 14-Year Sentences

British police arrested more than 20 individuals on terrorism-related charges in central London on July 5, after they expressed support for the newly proscribed group Palestine Action—just hours after the ban took legal effect.

The arrests took place during a demonstration in Parliament Square, Westminster, where supporters held signs reading “I OPPOSE GENOCIDE. I SUPPORT PALESTINE ACTION,” Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Footage broadcast by Sky News showed police detaining protesters—some in handcuffs—near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi as they chanted pro-Palestine Action slogans.

Palestine Action was officially banned under the UK’s terrorism legislation after Parliament voted to proscribe the group. The ban came into force at midnight on Saturday following the group's failed urgent appeal late Friday night.

The UK government cited national security concerns and alleged criminal acts by the group, including a recent incident in which activists broke into a Royal Air Force base and damaged two aircraft. The group has accused Britain of enabling Israeli military actions.

Under the Terrorism Act 2000, it is a criminal offense to invite support for or express approval of a proscribed organisation. Violations carry penalties of up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine. Palestine Action becomes the 81st organisation to be banned under the law, alongside groups such as Hamas, Al Qaeda, and Daesh.

By Khagan Isayev