From the Liveblog of
Saturday, July 5, 2025
London police arrest activists backing banned anti-Israel group Palestine Action
LONDON — Police arrest protesters in London for supporting the anti-Israel activist group Palestine Action, which was on Friday banned under anti-terror laws.
“Officers are responding to a protest in support of Palestine Action in Parliament Square. The group is now proscribed and expressing support for them is a criminal offence. Arrests are being made,” Metropolitan Police writes on X.
UPDATE: Officers have arrested more than 20 people on suspicion of offences under the Terrorism Act 2000.
They have been taken into custody.
Palestine Action is a proscribed group and officers will act where criminal offences are committed.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) July 5, 2025
Campaign group Defend Our Juries says in a press release that a group of 27 people, including a priest and a number of health professionals, had been arrested for offenses under the Terrorism Act.
They were holding cardboard signs, saying: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action,” adds the campaign group.
BREAKING: 27 Arrested underneath Gandhi statue in Parliament Sq for alleged supporting of a proscribed organisation.
The group of 27 people, including a priest, an Emeritus Professor and a number of health professionals.
Full Press Release: https://t.co/lbfpFN9cy7 pic.twitter.com/DXDzs1MIAT
— Defend our Juries (@DefendourJuries) July 5, 2025
Police warned on Friday that expressing support for Palestine Action would be a criminal offense after the ban kicked in at midnight.
“This includes chanting, wearing clothing or displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos,” the force says
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries says: “We commend the Counter Terrorism police for their decisive action in protecting the people of London from some cardboard signs opposing the genocide in Gaza and expressing support for those taking action to prevent it.”
The proscription cleared parliament on Thursday, with a court challenge to try to stop it from becoming law that failed on Friday.
Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.
The Times of Israel Community.