London police have arrested at least 150 people during a protest in Parliament Square in support of the banned group Palestine Action.
According to protest organizers Defend Our Juries, up to 700 demonstrators had gathered, warning that police were preparing for “the largest mass arrest in their history.”
Sky News reported that the Metropolitan Police confirmed the operation, stating that “a significant number of people” were seen carrying placards showing support for Palestine Action, which has been illegal in the UK since July 5.
“We have now arrested 150 people in Parliament Square,” police said.
“While many of those remaining are members of the media or passers-by, there are still individuals holding placards supporting the group. Officers continue to move through the crowd making further arrests.”
Under the new law introduced on July 5, expressing support for Palestine Action is considered a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
