More than 500 people were arrested in central London after a demonstration opposing the government’s ban on the activist group Palestine Action, according to the Metropolitan Police.
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The arrests took place during a protest in Trafalgar Square on Saturday, where hundreds gathered to express support for the organisation despite it being listed as a proscribed group under UK law.
Police said those detained ranged in age from 18 to 87.
Protest against proscription
The protest, titled “Everyone Day”, was organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries. Organisers said the event aimed to highlight continued opposition to the government’s decision to outlaw Palestine Action.
Many demonstrators held placards reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” a slogan that has appeared at earlier rallies connected to the group. Other signs expressed support for the right to protest and criticism of the United States and Israel.
Backing Palestine Action became illegal in July 2025 after the UK government banned the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. Authorities argued that the designation made it a criminal offence to express support for the organisation.
The ban was later ruled unlawful by the High Court in February, but the restrictions remain in force while the government pursues an appeal.
Police warning before demonstration
Ahead of the protest, the Metropolitan Police warned that anyone expressing support for the group could face arrest.
Commander Claire Smart, who oversaw police operations in London over the weekend, said officers would enforce the law if offences were committed.
“Those attending should be aware that showing support for a proscribed organisation is an offence under the Terrorism Act, and we will not hesitate to act where the law is broken,” she said.
Earlier in the year, the police had suggested arrests would be unlikely following the High Court ruling on the ban. However, in March they said enforcement would resume while legal proceedings continued.
Demonstrators accept risk of arrest
Several protesters said they were prepared to face arrest in order to challenge the ban.
Among those detained was Robert Del Naja, a founding member of the British band Massive Attack. Speaking before the protest, he criticised the decision to resume arrests.
He said he believed that if detained he would be able to contest the legality of the arrest in court.
Del Naja also defended the actions of Palestine Action, describing the group’s activities as intended to prevent the UK from being involved in alleged war crimes.
Other demonstrators echoed similar sentiments. One participant said she had attended because she believed the government was targeting people attempting to oppose what they described as genocide in Gaza.
Israel has repeatedly rejected accusations that its military operations in Gaza amount to genocide, stating that its actions are carried out in self-defence.
Arrests continue through evening
Police initially reported 212 arrests by late afternoon on Saturday as officers detained individuals displaying signs supporting the banned organisation.
By 23:07 BST, the Metropolitan Police said the total number of arrests had reached 523.
Authorities said they were grateful to officers involved in managing the demonstration.
More than 2,200 people have been arrested since Palestine Action was banned last year by then Home Secretary Yvette Cooper.
Trials involving hundreds of those accused of expressing support for the group have been paused while the legal challenge to the ban continues.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 12 April 2026
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