Man Arrested, Released Over Palestine Action Support Outside London Court

A man named Mat Cobb was arrested in a dawn raid on suspicion of supporting the proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action, despite never having attended demonstrations or being a member of the group. His arrest highlights growing concerns over the UK government's controversial ban on Palestine Action, which criminalizes support for the group and carries a potential 14-year prison sentence. Following a hearing of Kneecap rapper Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, who faces terrorism charges for allegedly displaying a Hezbollah flag at a concert, another man was arrested outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court for holding a pro-Palestine placard but was later released without charges as the case did not meet the criminal threshold. The arrests and policing actions have sparked accusations of over-zealous enforcement and raised free speech concerns, with critics warning that the proscription risks damaging public trust and criminalizing peaceful protest. The legal challenges to the ban continue, with some arguing that the Home Secretary should urgently review the decision amid ongoing confusion and controversy surrounding the law's application. The case against Kneecap's Ó hAnnaidh also faces a procedural challenge related to the timing of the Attorney General’s consent to the charges, with a ruling expected later in the month.