By Lawrence Williams
At least 857 people were arrested in London on Saturday during a protest accused of showing support for Palestine Action, a UK-based activist network proscribed as a terrorist organization under British anti-terrorism law.
Hundreds of individuals assembled at Parliament Square in the British capital to protest Israel’s ongoing destruction in Gaza, carrying placards that read “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
The Metropolitan Police said those arrested will be investigated for “Terrorism Act Offences” by the Counter Terrorism Command.
According to Met, while most arrests were for supporting a proscribed group, a “significant number” were also made for assaults on officers and other public order offences after the protest turned violent.
Police Commissioner Claire Smart reiterated that violence broke out during the protest, adding that, “Our duty is to enforce the law without fear or favour.”
