A protester is carried away by police officers at a demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action calling for the recently imposed ban to be lifted, in Parliament Square, central London. AFP
The Metropolitan Police said 55 people were detained at a demonstration in London’s Parliament Square under the Terrorism Act 2000 after displaying placards reading, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
Another eight were detained at a separate London march, with further arrests reported in Truro (8), northwestern Manchester (18), western Bristol (17), and Edinburgh.
The rallies were organised by campaign group Defend Our Juries, which described the protests as an effort to “defy” the ban.
Since the ban on Palestine Action came into effect on 5 July, police have warned that expressing support for the group is now a criminal offence following a failed High Court challenge.
The government introduced the ban days after activists linked to the group claimed responsibility for a break-in at a southern England air force base, where two aircraft were spray-painted with red paint, causing an estimated £7 million ($9.55 million) in damage.
Four people charged in connection with the incident remain in custody.
Palestine Action has condemned its outlawing -- which makes it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison -- as an attack on free speech.
*This story was edited by Ahram Online.
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