London: More than 70 people were arrested Saturday at protests in the UK against the Palestine Action group being proscribed as a terrorist organization by the British government following a break-in and vandalism at a Royal Air Force base.
According to France24.com, in London, the Metropolitan Police reported 42 arrests by late afternoon. All but one of these arrests were for showing support for a proscribed organization, which police noted includes activities such as chanting, wearing specific clothing, or displaying articles like flags, signs, or logos. Another individual was arrested for common assault.
Greater Manchester Police reported an additional 16 arrests in Manchester, while South Wales Police confirmed 13 arrests in Cardiff. Demonstrators were seen lying on the ground as police searched their bags and confiscated signs, with officers later carrying away protesters into police vans parked around the square.
The designation of Palestine Action as a proscribed group under the UK's Terrorism Act 2000 earlier this month makes membership and support for its actions liable for punishment of up to 14 years in prison. The UK act already includes 81 organizations, such as Hamas and al-Qaida.
The government's decision to ban Palestine Action followed an incident where activists broke into a Royal Air Force base in Brize Norton, Oxfordshire, on June 20, causing significant damage to two planes with red paint and crowbars. This act was in protest of the British government's ongoing military support for Israel in its conflict in Gaza. Police estimated the damage at around 7 million pounds ($9.4 million).
Four individuals, aged between 22 and 35, have been charged with conspiracy to commit criminal damage and conspiracy to enter a prohibited place for purposes prejudicial to the interests of the UK. They are scheduled to appear at the Central Criminal Court in London, known as the Old Bailey, on July 18.
