London police arrest over 500 protesters supporting banned Palestine Action

London police arrested over 500 protesters during a pro-Palestinian demonstration in Trafalgar Square supporting the banned group Palestine Action, which the UK government designated as a terrorist organization in July. The mass detentions followed a High Court ruling upholding the ban, as reported by Dawn and France 24. The protest took place on Saturday and was marked by heightened police presence due to the ongoing legal challenges surrounding the group's proscription.

Among those arrested was Robert Del Naja, frontman of the band Massive Attack, who attended the protest despite the risk to his career, according to Euronews and The Guardian. Del Naja was taken into custody on suspicion of supporting a proscribed organization. His participation highlighted the demonstration’s draw and the public support for Palestine Action despite its banned status.

The exact number of arrests ranged slightly among sources, with La Jornada reporting 523 detainees, while others noted "over 500" individuals held. Amnesty UK criticized the mass arrests, describing them as a serious infringement on civil liberties, as covered by Dawn. London police maintained that the arrests were necessary to enforce the ban and ensure public order during the protest.

The event underscores ongoing tensions regarding Palestine Action’s activities and the UK government's efforts to curb them through legal means. The case is significant for its implications on freedom of speech and the limits of lawful protest in the UK. Observers will be watching the outcome of the legal challenges to the organization’s ban and potential ramifications for similar activist groups.