Londons Metropolitan Police reverse policy on arresting Palestine Action protesters

London Metropolitan Police Arrests 18 Palestine Action Supporters

On Wednesday, London’s Metropolitan Police arrested 18 individuals associated with Palestine Action, a direct action campaign group. The arrests occurred days after the force announced a reversal of its policy, stating that despite a High Court ruling, the “terror” ban on the group remains in place.

The protesters had gathered outside New Scotland Yard, the Met’s headquarters, on Saturday, holding signs expressing their opposition to genocide and support for Palestine Action. Officers made the arrests under terrorism legislation. The force had previously stated it would adopt a “proportionate approach” and stop arresting the group’s supporters, focusing instead on gathering evidence.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said that since the High Court’s ruling in February, which deemed the banning of Palestine Action as unlawful, the government’s appeal could take several months to be considered. As a result, the Met will resume arrests under the existing legislation.

The group has been targeted by the UK government for its actions against weapons manufacturers linked to Israel and an RAF base. The High Court called the move “disproportionate” and in breach of freedom of expression. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood had stated that supporting Palestine Action was not equivalent to supporting the Palestinian cause.

The arrests have drawn international criticism, with the UN and human rights organizations expressing concerns about the crackdown on free speech. Amnesty International has intervened in court cases related to the group’s activities, stating that thousands of individuals have been arrested for exercising their right to free expression.

Source: Al Jazeera