Arabic version: أكثر من 200 معتقل خلال احتجاج فلسطين أكشن في وسط لندن
More than 200 people have been arrested during a demonstration in central London against the ban on Palestine Action, according to BBC News. The Metropolitan Police stated that these arrests occurred as individuals showed support for a proscribed organisation.
The protest, named Everyone Day, took place in Trafalgar Square where hundreds gathered, carrying signs such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” The event was organized by Defend our Juries to showcase ongoing resistance against the ban on Palestine Action, which was enacted under anti-terror legislation in July 2025. Although a High Court ruling in February deemed the ban unlawful, it remains in place pending an appeal.
Prior to the demonstration, the Metropolitan Police warned attendees about potential criminal offences related to supporting a proscribed organisation under the Terrorism Act. Commander Claire Smart, overseeing policing operations, stated that police would take action if the law was violated.
Among those arrested was Robert Del Naja, a founding member of the band Massive Attack, who expressed his belief that the police’s decision to resume arrests was “ridiculous.” Del Naja emphasized that he considered the actions of Palestine Action as patriotic, aimed at preventing the UK from engaging in war crimes.
The protest drew individuals like Linda Walker, who cited ongoing genocide as her reason for attending. The Metropolitan Police reported 212 arrests by 16:50 BST on the day of the demonstration, with the total number of arrests related to Palestine Action since its ban exceeding 2,200. Legal proceedings against many of those arrested have been suspended as the battle over the group’s ban continues.
