Number of Palestinians’ supporters arrested in UK reaches 1,700

A demonstration in support of Palestinians in Liverpool, England, led to the arrest of more than 60 people, including an 83-year-old man, after intervention by Merseyside police.

According to UK media, the protest, held against the ban on the group Palestinian Action in Liverpool, resulted in the detention of 66 individuals. The ages of those arrested ranged from 21 to 83.

Protesters carried banners reading, “I oppose genocide; I support Palestinian Action.”

In July, the UK government banned Palestinian Action, citing its designation as a terrorist organization.

Since the announcement of the ban in July, the total number of Palestinian supporters arrested in the UK has reached 1,700.

Of these, around 138 individuals have been formally charged; the offense carries a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

The group Defend Your Jury—which organized the Liverpool demonstration—stated that protesters were defying the unjust ban on Palestinian Action and called for its repeal.

The group released images showing four police officers carrying a protester in a wheelchair.

Another video shows an elderly man holding a cardboard sign reading, “I oppose genocide; I support the Palestinian movement,” being arrested after refusing police orders to remove it.

A spokesperson for Defend Your Jury said: “Instead of suppressing protests, it is time for the UK to take its responsibility to prevent genocide seriously and impose comprehensive measures, including stopping the flow of weapons from its factories, against Israel.”