More than 500 people were arrested in London on Saturday during a demonstration in support of the Palestine Action group, which is banned by the British government. The rally, held in Trafalgar Square, drew several hundred participants for a silent sit-in.
Police reported making 523 arrests, involving protesters aged 18 to 87. Among those arrested was Robert Del Naja, a member of the band Massive Attack, who was arrested while publicly expressing his support for the movement.
A ban that is being challenged in court
The Palestine Action group, which opposes Israeli policy and certain military infrastructure, was banned in 2025 after several acts of vandalism. This decision is being challenged in court, as an initial ruling deemed the measure "disproportionate" but did not suspend its implementation.
The arrests have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, which denounce them as an attack on freedom of expression. Under current legislation, expressing support for the group can lead to criminal penalties, including several months in prison.
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