Hundreds Arrested Across UK Supporting Banned Palestine Action Group

Several women have been arrested in the UK for wearing Palestine Action T-shirts at protests, following the British Government's decision to proscribe Palestine Action under terrorism legislation in July, making support for the group a criminal offense. In Belfast, a 74-year-old woman and a 62-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing articles indicating support for the banned organization during protests, sparking criticism from local politicians and human rights groups who viewed the arrests as an infringement on the right to peaceful protest. In London, hundreds of people were arrested for supporting Palestine Action during demonstrations in Parliament Square. The arrests occurred amidst other protests, including anti-racism rallies in Belfast and anti-government protests in Cardiff, where one woman was also detained. Critics, including Sinn Féin MLAs and Amnesty International, condemned the police actions and the government's clampdown, arguing it silences activists highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and unfairly targets pro-Palestinian demonstrators while allowing far-right protests to proceed. The Home Secretary defended the ban, citing Palestine Action's involvement in illegal activities such as breaking into military facilities.