Over 500 Arrested at Trafalgar Square Protest Supporting Banned Group Palestine Action

London's Metropolitan Police arrested 523 individuals during a protest in Trafalgar Square on Saturday afternoon. The demonstration supported Palestine Action, a group designated as a terrorist organization by the government. Protesters ranged in age from 18 to 87, with many elderly participants seated on camping chairs or the ground while holding placards.

Several hundred demonstrators assembled near the National Gallery, displaying signs such as "I oppose genocide. " The Metropolitan Police initially estimated around 200 arrests but revised the figure to more than 500 late on Saturday. Officers continued making arrests for individuals showing support for the banned group, as stated on social media.

The force described the gathering as likely to involve offending rather than a lawful protest. Among those detained was Robert Del Naja, a member of the band Massive Attack, who was removed by officers while protesters applauded.

Legal Background A High Court judgment in February determined the government's designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization was disproportionate and unlawful.

The court found that the majority of the group's activities did not meet the level, scale, and persistence required for terrorism. Following the court's decision, the Metropolitan Police initially halted arrests under the Terrorism Act, describing it as an interim position.

Officers resumed detentions in March as legal proceedings continued. A police commander warned before the demonstration that showing support for a proscribed organization is an offense under the Terrorism Act.

Protest Organization and Response The protest, coordinated by Defend Our Juries and designated "Everyone Day," aimed to demonstrate strong opposition to the ban.

Event organizers stated it would show resistance to the ban was stronger than ever. The Metropolitan Police expressed gratitude to officers for their professionalism in handling the event. Prior to his arrest, Robert Del Naja spoke about concerns over travel and visas due to his participation.

“Being a musician, obviously, there was a lot of trepidation around how we might not be able to travel and get visas," Del Naja said. "But I thought 'this is ridiculous' and then the police made that U-turn to arrest people again, I think that is even more ridiculous.”

The band Massive Attack is scheduled for European performances from May 26 through June 8 in Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Belgium. Del Naja described the actions of Palestine Action as patriotic for protecting the country from involvement in war crimes and breaking international law.