In a bold stand outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court, over a hundred demonstrators faced arrest for supporting Palestine Action, a group recently designated as a terrorist organization by the UK government. Their demonstration coincided with Palestine Action’s legal move to challenge the ban at the UK Supreme Court.
The arrests unfolded as the group, known for its activism against British military actions related to Israel, sought to overturn the prohibition that criminalizes membership or support, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Activists gathered in front of the court, vocally opposing the ban with chants of “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” while bystanders expressed disapproval with cries of “Shame!” According to the Metropolitan Police, 117 arrests were made, primarily for promoting a proscribed organization.
Since the group’s ban, more than 3,000 individuals have been arrested for acts as basic as displaying supportive signage. Among these, over 1,200 have faced charges under the Terrorism Act, though no convictions have been reported.
The UK government enacted the ban following a high-profile incident in June 2025, where Palestine Action activists infiltrated a Royal Air Force base to protest the UK’s military assistance to Israel during its Gaza operations. Despite the High Court nullifying the ban in February, the Court of Appeal later upheld it as a “justified and proportionate” restriction on free expression, citing the group’s actions exceeded peaceful protest and involved property destruction and harm.
Thursday’s development allows Huda Ammori, the founder of Palestine Action, to present their case before the Supreme Court, with a hearing expected between October and December. Meanwhile, all proceedings against individuals accused of violating the ban are paused until the Supreme Court delivers its judgment.
Civil liberties advocates argue that the ban and related arrests infringe upon protest and free speech rights. Thomas Bell, acting UK director at Human Rights Watch, stated, “Using counterterror powers to suppress dissent goes against democratic values and harms freedom of expression and assembly in this country.” He urged the new Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, to reassess the situation.
