At least 150 people were arrested in London by the Metropolitan Police after dozens of citizens took to the streets to support the banned group Palestine Action.
The event took place at Parliament Square, where according to the protest organizers, Defend Our Juries, up to 700 people had gathered. They warned that the police were preparing for “the largest mass arrest in their history.”
According to Sky News, the Metropolitan Police confirmed their intervention, stating that a “significant number of people” were seen holding banners expressing support for Palestine Action, an organization banned by law in the UK since July 5.
“We have now arrested 150 people at Parliament Square,” said the police.
“While many of those remaining in the square are media personnel and passersby, there are still people holding banners supporting the group. Officers are continuing to work through the crowd making further arrests.”
With the law coming into effect on July 5, expressing support for Palestine Action is considered a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
