London police arrest 139 at protest against Palestine Action ban

· Politics · United Kingdom

Almost 140 people were arrested at the largest mass demonstrations under UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham opposing the proscription of Palestine Action, with hundreds gathering outside the US embassy in Battersea, The Guardian reported. Police alleged demonstrators were "meeting to purposefully commit a crime". Protests were also held in Edinburgh, and demonstrations came days before a UK Supreme Court appeal challenging the group's proscription. The report did not specify charges against those arrested.

Why it matters：The arrests and the pending Supreme Court appeal test how far the UK can restrict a protest group under proscription laws, with implications for civil liberties and protest rights.

Key points

  • Around 139 people were arrested outside the US embassy in London.
  • Police said demonstrators were meeting to purposefully commit a crime.
  • An appeal challenging the proscription is due at the UK Supreme Court.

Sources (original reporting)

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