Dozens of people have been arrested under terrorism legislation during a series of pro-Palestine demonstrations held in cities across England on Saturday.
The protests, organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, took place in 10 locations including Bristol, Manchester and Birmingham.
Organisers said the demonstrations were staged “against our Government’s complicity in genocide and against the ban on [direct action group] Palestine Action”. The group Palestine Action was proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 in July.
In Bristol city centre, 31 people were arrested after protesters gathered at College Green. Avon and Somerset Police said 30 people were held on suspicion of displaying articles in support of a proscribed organisation, while one woman was detained on suspicion of failing to give her details under the Police Reform Act. Insp Ben Spence later confirmed: “The protest has now safely concluded and the police operation has been stood down.”
Manchester also saw significant police action, with Greater Manchester Police confirming that 34 people were detained in St Peter’s Square for suspected terrorism offences. The rally, attended by about 200 people, was one of the largest outside London.
In Birmingham, West Midlands Police said 25 protesters carrying placards supporting Palestine Action were arrested in Chamberlain Square. Ch Insp James Littlehales said: “We fully recognise people’s right to demonstrate peacefully, and many people continue to protest in support of Palestine without breaking the law. But we will take appropriate action where people are breaching the law by showing support for proscribed organisations.”
Norfolk Police reported that 10 protesters were arrested in Norwich under the Terrorism Act, also on suspicion of displaying placards supporting Palestine Action.
Separate from the arrests elsewhere, a major demonstration organised by the Palestine Coalition drew an estimated 100,000 people in central London. Protesters marched from Green Park to Whitehall, carrying Palestinian flags, chanting pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel slogans, and setting off green and red fireworks as the crowd moved along Piccadilly.
The Metropolitan Police said five people were arrested in London for suspected affray and Public Order Act offences.
