London police arrested 41 individuals during a demonstration outside Parliament on Saturday. The arrests were specifically made for showing support for the recently banned group, Palestine Action.
British lawmakers proscribed Palestine Action earlier this month under anti-terrorism legislation. The ban followed incidents where members allegedly damaged planes at a Royal Air Force base.
The arrests signal a new phase in the UK government's approach to protests regarding Israel. The Metropolitan Police stated the arrests were for supporting a "proscribed organization."
Before the arrests, close to 50 protesters gathered with signs outside Parliament. Some placards read, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."
Similar protests have occurred across the UK. Police made arrests at a London protest last week and also at demonstrations in Manchester, Cardiff, and Northern Ireland.
The government's decision places Palestine Action in the same category as groups like al Qaeda. Expressing support for the organization now carries a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years.
Source: https://trt.global/world/live/682d0cd9272976ac4c84461d#6872f70012e7b7811f9b8006