Over 500 arrested in London during pro-Palestine protest

KATHMANDU. More than 500 protesters have been arrested following a heavy police crackdown on a pro-Palestine demonstration in London, the capital of the United Kingdom. Police launched a massive arrest operation to control a sit-in protest held on Saturday at Trafalgar Square in support of the banned group 'Palestine Action'.

According to the Metropolitan Police, a total of 523 individuals, ranging from 18 to 87 years old, were taken into custody by midnight. The protesters had gathered carrying placards in support of the banned group, which is considered a criminal activity under British law. As police made the arrests, other participants cheered and applauded in support.

'Palestine Action' was placed on the list of terrorist organizations last July, under which supporting or holding membership is considered a serious crime punishable by up to 14 years in prison. However, the London High Court questioned the ban in February, ruling that it interfered with freedom of expression. The government has been granted permission to appeal that decision.

Although arrests had paused for a time following the High Court's decision, the Metropolitan Police announced a return to stricter enforcement toward the end of March. Since then, the number of arrests at protests has risen sharply. According to police, nearly 3,000 people have been arrested and hundreds have been formally charged since the ban was implemented.

Participants in the protest described their actions as a moral duty. Freya, a 28-year-old from London who was at the front of the protest, stated that it is necessary to maintain a presence to oppose government policy. She emphasized that speaking out against events in Gaza is a moral responsibility.

Dennis McDermott, 73, who traveled from Edinburgh, said he had been arrested before but did not hesitate to return to the protest, adding that such movements would not be necessary if the judicial process were clear. Pointing toward other protesters, he expressed his solidarity with them.

The protest organizer, 'Defend Our Juries', claimed that hundreds of people participated in Saturday's event and that they were protesting the role the UK government has played in its policy regarding Gaza. Furthermore, the crackdown on peaceful protest was characterized as 'wrongful suppression'.

Human rights organization Amnesty UK also criticized the police action, calling it another blow to civil liberties. The organization specifically highlighted the arrest of elderly and vulnerable individuals, accusing the government of repeating failed policies.

The ban on Palestine Action has sparked widespread debate in the UK. The list already includes groups such as Hamas and Lebanon's Hezbollah. The court has temporarily stayed all cases related to this group and is preparing for a detailed review on July 30.

Founded in 2020, Palestine Action presents itself as a group campaigning against military and industrial infrastructure linked to Israel. Its activities are reportedly targeted specifically at facilities associated with the Israeli defense company Elbit Systems.