77 Protesters Arrested in London Rally Amid Clashes

A pro-Palestinian protest in London on January 18 attracted over 100,000 participants and resulted in more than 70 arrests after demonstrators broke through police lines. Originally planned as a march towards the BBC, the Metropolitan Police limited the event to a static rally in Whitehall, leading organizers to call for a 'walk' towards the BBC instead. After speeches, thousands marched towards Trafalgar Square, where police warned them to disperse, ultimately resulting in 77 arrests—the highest number for any Palestine Solidarity Campaign protest since October 2023. The Metropolitan Police cited breaches of protest conditions, including public order offences and assaults on emergency workers, as reasons for the arrests. Commander Adam Slonecki expressed disappointment over the perceived breach of trust by protest organizers. The event was marked by tensions between police and demonstrators, with notable figures like Jeremy Corbyn present.