Met police arrest more protesters demonstrating against Palestine Action ban – as 254 already face criminal charges

The Met Police arrested further protesters in central London during demonstrations against the Government’s decision to ban activist group Palestine Action.

Many of the crowds gathered in Tavistock Square on Saturday sat on the grass and held banners reading ‘I am against genocide’. ‘I support Palestine Action.’

Officers were seen carrying people, including a woman whose feet were being dragged on the ground, out of the square.

The surrounding demonstrators applauded and thanked those who were taken away.

The Met confirmed arrests were continuing, saying: ‘Officers began making arrests for expressing support for the banned terrorist organisation, Palestine Action, at a protest organized by Defend Our Juries.’

Defend Our Juries has vowed nationwide civil disobedience after Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood announced police would be given stronger powers to curb protests given the ‘cumulative impact’ of repeated disruptions.

The demonstration follows a major operation earlier this week in which a further 120 people were accused of supporting the banned organisation, bringing the total number of suspects to 254.

Today’s demonstration is one of a series of actions taking place in 18 towns and cities between 18-29 November.

As many protesters were rushed out of the square, one woman’s feet were dragged on the ground as two police officers dragged her away.

Police remove people from the Defend Our Juries protest in support of Palestine Action at the Peace Garden in Tavistock Square in central London

A protest is also being held in Belfast today.

A crowd of approximately 60 to 80 activists and supporters gathered at 13:00 in a pedestrian area near the city’s main court buildings, 15-20 of whom held banners reading ‘I oppose genocide, support Palestine Action’.

Four Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) officers maintained a low-key presence as they observed the hour-long demonstration from a short distance.

The crowd dispersed shortly after 14:00 after the officers did not intervene in the incident.

A similar demonstration is planned for Londonderry later on Saturday.

Among those protesting in Tavistock Square was Carolyn Gelenter, 67, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, who said she could not stand by.

Ms Gelenter, who is Australian but lives in London, said she had been arrested before for supporting a banned group.

She told the PA news agency: ‘I wasn’t sure I wanted to be arrested again… As a Jew and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, I feel I can’t just stand by and watch this happen.’

He was later arrested by the police and taken away.

The 120 people charged earlier this week were arrested following a demonstration on 9 August, when activists flocked to Parliament Square with banners and flags.

Metropolitan Police officials said officers had to be drafted in from other forces to maintain a ‘significant police presence’ during a busy weekend of protests and clashes in central London.

The Met confirmed arrests were continuing, saying: ‘Officers began making arrests for expressing support for banned terrorist organization Palestine Action at a protest organized by Defend Our Juries.’

The surrounding demonstrators applauded and thanked those who were taken away.

The group behind the demonstration has vowed nationwide civil disobedience after Home Affairs Minister Shabana Mahmood announced police would be given stronger powers to stop protests given the ‘cumulative impact’ of repeated disruptions.

The protests came after Palestine Action was officially banned in July following alleged attacks on the UK facility of an Israeli-linked defense company and two aircraft at RAF Brize Norton.

The ban makes membership in or open support of the group a criminal offense, carrying a maximum prison sentence of up to 14 years.

Counter-terrorism detectives said those accused will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court between November 29 and December 9.

The crimes can lead to a prison sentence of up to six months and lead to a terrorism conviction on the defendants’ record.

More than 500 people gathered in August to support the outlawed group, holding signs bearing messages such as ‘I’m on a mission to stop genocide’ and ‘Our right to non-violent protest’.

Police arrested men and women of all ages, and witnesses reported scuffles between rival groups.

Assistant Deputy Commissioner Ade Adelekan said at the time: ‘The Met is well experienced in dealing with large-scale protests, including where the activity becomes criminal and warrants arrest.

The demonstration follows a major operation earlier this week in which a further 120 people were accused of supporting the banned organisation, bringing the total number of suspects to 254.

Today’s demonstration is one of a series of actions taking place in 18 towns and cities between 18-29 November.

The protests came after Palestine Action was officially banned in July following alleged attacks on the UK facility of an Israeli-linked defense company and two aircraft at RAF Brize Norton.

‘While we do not go into operational details, the public can be assured that we have the resources and processes in place to respond to any eventuality.

‘Anyone who supports the Palestine Action can expect arrest. I invite people to consider the seriousness of this outcome.

‘An arrest under the Terrorism Act can have long-term consequences for travel, employment and finances and, as we have seen this week, it is very likely to result in a charge.’

Among those demonstrating in Parliament Square was Martin Drummond, 76, a retired research scientist from Norwich. He said he was prepared to risk arrest because he was ‘outraged’ by what he saw as an attack on freedom of expression.

‘I’m here to protect our freedom of expression; “This is absolutely very important,” he said. ‘Our ancestors fought for this and I will defend it.’

But he admitted he was ‘unenthusiastic’ about the prospect of spending the night in custody.

‘I want to go home today,’ he said. ‘I don’t see it as a badge of honour. ‘I’ve never supported anything like this before.’