117 arrested in London for supporting "Palestine Action"

A significant police operation in central London resulted in the arrest of 117 individuals protesting in support of the group "Palestine Action." The demonstration took place outside the Royal Courts of Justice on Monday, the same day judges ruled to uphold the ban on the organization, classifying it as a terrorist group. Protesters, some holding signs that read "I support Palestine Action," were escorted away by police. The ruling by five Court of Appeal judges determined that the ban, first enacted by then-Home Secretary Suella Braverman on July 5 last year, represented a "justifiable and proportionate" infringement on freedom of expression. This decision overturns a February ruling by three High Court judges, which had deemed the prohibition of "Palestine Action" under anti-terrorism laws unlawful. The ban, which remains in effect, stipulates that participating in or supporting the organization is a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison. The Home Office had appealed the High Court's decision. Prior to Monday's demonstration, the Metropolitan Police had already arrested 3,017 people for supporting "Palestine Action" and charged 1,943 detainees. The legal battle and subsequent arrests highlight the ongoing tensions surrounding the group's activities and the government's response.