London Metropolitan Police arrest 150+ at protest against Palestine Action ban

London’s Metropolitan Police said it has arrested 200 people "as of 15:40hrs" during a protest opposing Britain’s decision to ban the group Palestine Action, with more arrests expected. Demonstrators gathered in Parliament Square on Saturday, waving placards in support of the group and chanting slogans such as “shame on you” and “hands off Gaza.” Some protesters wore the traditional Koufiyyeh and carried signs reading, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan warned in a statement that “anyone showing support for Palestine Action can expect to be arrested,” stressing that “an arrest under the Terrorism Act can have very real long-term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances.” The arrests come after British lawmakers, in July, designated Palestine Action as a proscribed organization under anti-terrorism laws. The ban makes group membership a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison.