London police announced the arrest of approximately 150 people on Saturday during a new demonstration in the British capital in support of the Palestine Action group, which has been classified as a terrorist organization and banned since the beginning of July.
Hundreds of people gathered at noon in front of the British Parliament building, braving the risk of arrest, carrying signs reading "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."
This came a day after police warned on Friday that they would not hesitate to arrest anyone who openly expressed support for the group.
"We are not terrorists," said Polly Smith, a 74-year-old retiree. "We must say that Palestine Action has a right to exist. The ban must be lifted."
"Our government has decided to ban an organization. This is completely wrong. It should spend more time working to stop the genocide (in Gaza) than trying to stop the protests," said Nigel Smith, a 62-year-old recycling company manager, holding a sign in support of the group. Police arrested this protester, while other protesters chanted "Shame on you."
Tensions erupted between police officers and protesters who tried to prevent the arrests.
The Metropolitan Police said on Sunday that several of the 150 arrested had been charged with "violent violence against a police officer."
The Palestine Action group was added to the UK's list of "terrorist" organizations in early July, following acts of vandalism by its activists, including at a Royal Air Force base.
The Jury Defense group has since organized demonstrations to protest the ban, which the United Nations deemed "disproportionate."
Prior to Saturday's demonstration, more than 800 people had been arrested, and 138 of them were charged with supporting or inciting support for a "terrorist organization." Most face six months in prison, while those considered to be organizers of the demonstrations face up to 14 years in prison.
Huda Ammuri, co-founder of Palestine Action, obtained permission to challenge the group's ban in court, and the government granted her the right to appeal.
Meanwhile, another pro-Palestinian demonstration brought thousands of people to the streets of London on Saturday, as Israel launched fresh airstrikes on Gaza, with the stated goal of taking control of Gaza City to defeat Hamas.
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