London police confirmed on Sunday that 522 people were arrested in a massive operation against protesters backing the recently banned pro-Palestine group, Palestine Action. Authorities said the arrests took place during demonstrations in Parliament Square on Saturday, making it one of the largest mass arrests in UK protest history.
According to the Metropolitan Police, most arrests were for displaying placards supporting Palestine Action, which was officially banned under UK anti-terrorism laws on July 5. The group had claimed responsibility for breaking into an air force base in southern England, causing £7 million worth of damage to military aircraft.
Protesters included people of all ages, from teenagers to elderly citizens, with 97 aged in their 70s and 15 in their 80s. The Met reported an equal number of men and women among those detained. In addition, 10 more people were arrested for offences such as assaulting police officers, though no serious injuries occurred.
The UK government justified banning the group by citing its alleged involvement in violent acts, serious injuries, and extensive property damage. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper defended the decision, saying national security and public safety are the top priorities.
However, critics — including the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Greenpeace — condemned the ban as an attack on free speech. Greenpeace UK accused the government of turning the police into "thought police" and criminalizing peaceful activism.
Police said 18 people remained in custody but were expected to be released on bail soon. Counter-terrorism officers will prepare case files, with offenders facing up to 14 years in prison if convicted of supporting Palestine Action.
Source: (https://www.arabnews.com/node/2611355/world)