Ninety detained as London police enforce ban on pro-Palestine activities

British police officers detained at least 90 protesters during demonstrations in Central London against the government’s decision to ban activities of pro-Palestine supporters.

Crowds had gathered in Tavistock Square, many holding placards reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine.”

Police officers were seen removing individuals from the square, including a woman whose legs were dragged along the ground as she was arrested. Protesters applauded and thanked those being detained.

Under the UK government’s controversial new law, supporting certain pro-Palestine groups—even through peaceful demonstrations—is considered a criminal offense.

More than three hours after the demonstration began, a police spokesperson announced that officers had arrested at least 90 people at the protest, which was organized by the group Defend Our Juries. The protest had ended and participants had left the area.

Police previously stated that the arrests were made on suspicion of showing support for Palestine Action. Under UK law, support for Palestine Action is prohibited.

However, in a similar protest held in Belfast (Northern Ireland), police officers adopted a much more relaxed approach.

In recent years, and especially since the Gaza war began in October 2023, the UK government has faced a massive wave of pro-Palestine demonstrations.

Nevertheless, the widespread arrests of protesters—particularly after Palestine Action was banned in July 2025—have drawn strong criticism from human-rights organizations, UN experts, and activists.

These arrests have typically targeted individuals accused of supporting the banned group, including those carrying placards with messages such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” They have been widely condemned as violations of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.

According to statistics, from July 2025 to November, more than 2,000 people have been arrested across the UK. During London protests in September, 857 people were detained, and 522 were arrested in August. Over 100 of those arrested have been above the age of 70, and cases such as the arrest of a blind person in a wheelchair have also been reported.