Police in London have detained more than 466 people who were protesting the United Kingdom’s decision to ban the Palestine Action Group, marking the “largest ever mass arrest” at a single protest in the British capital, according to campaigners.
The arrests came after hundreds of people gathered at Parliament Square in London on Saturday, denouncing Israel’s war on Gaza and holding placards with the message, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
Videos posted online showed the protesters sitting on the ground, with some chanting, “Hands off Gaza!” The footage also showed the protesters being carried away by the police as the crowd chanted “shame on you” at the officers.
The Metropolitan Police, in a statement on X, said that 466 demonstrators had been arrested at Parliament Square by 9pm local time (1am PKT) “for showing support for Palestine Action”. It said eight others were also arrested at the protest for other offences, including five assaults on officers.
