More than 100 individuals have been apprehended by law enforcement following a demonstration outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London for allegedly showing support for Palestine Action.
A total of 117 people were taken into custody after protesters assembled outside the court where judges affirmed the decision to classify the organization as a terrorist entity.
Witnesses observed demonstrators being removed by police officers, with some holding placards stating, “I support Palestine Action.”
Simultaneously, in a nearby courtroom, five Court of Appeal judges upheld the legitimacy of the ban on the group, which was instituted on July 5 last year, deeming it a reasonable and justified restriction on freedom of expression.
In February, a ruling by three High Court judges deemed the former Home Secretary’s ban on Palestine Action, challenged by the group’s co-founder Huda Ammori, as unlawful. However, this decision was overturned by the Court of Appeal judges today.
The prohibition designates involvement with or endorsement of the direct action organization as a criminal offense punishable by a maximum of 14 years in prison. Despite the February ruling, the ban has remained in effect as the Home Office successfully appealed the decision today.
One of the individuals escorted away by law enforcement during the protest was an elderly woman in dark blue scrubs with a sign identifying her as a “retired doctor.”
“This signifies that expressing backing for the organization continues to be a violation of the law, and authorities will detain those found in breach,” stated a police representative.
“Police monitoring a demonstration outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday, June 15, apprehended 117 individuals on suspicion of endorsing a proscribed group.”
Furthermore, two more individuals were arrested by City of London Police officers during a protest outside the Old Bailey.
Since the group’s proscription, over 3,000 individuals have been arrested by the Metropolitan Police on suspicion of supporting Palestine Action.
