Sat Jul 05 14:43:38 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article:

**Summary:**

London police arrested 29 protesters in Parliament Square for supporting Palestine Action, hours after the UK officially banned the group under the Terrorism Act 2000. The arrests were made under suspicion of offenses related to the Act, with authorities warning that even displaying symbols or chanting support for Palestine Action is now a criminal offense. The ban follows incidents of damage caused by Palestine Action, including a recent break-in at an air force base. Critics argue the ban infringes on free speech and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing protests.

**News Article:**

**London Police Arrest 29 Protesters Supporting Banned Palestine Action**

**London, UK** – London’s Metropolitan Police arrested 29 individuals in Parliament Square on Saturday for expressing support for Palestine Action, just hours after the UK government officially outlawed the activist group. The arrests were made under the Terrorism Act 2000, with police citing offenses related to the newly implemented ban.

Authorities had previously warned that any public display of support for Palestine Action, including chanting slogans, wearing clothing with group symbols, or displaying flags and signs, would be considered a criminal act.

The ban on Palestine Action, which cleared Parliament on Thursday after a failed court challenge, was enacted following several incidents of disruptive activism. This included a recent break-in at a British air force base where activists allegedly sprayed red paint on two aircraft, causing an estimated £7 million in damages. Four activists involved in the air base incident have been remanded in custody.

The police action drew immediate condemnation from some onlookers. Eyewitnesses reported hearing protesters shouting slogans such as “Met Police, you are puppets of the Zionist state” and “leave them alone.” Other chants included “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Critics of the ban argue that it represents a severe curtailment of free speech and sets a dangerous precedent for suppressing legitimate protest. Anas Mustapha, head of public advocacy at CAGE International, described the move as giving the state “carte blanche to target any protest that it finds objectionable without any legal constraints.”

Laura O’Brien, a lawyer, highlighted the severity of the penalties, noting that holding a placard supporting Palestine Action could lead to a six-month prison sentence, while membership or support of the group could result in up to 14 years in prison.

Palestine Action itself has denounced the proscription as an attack on fundamental rights. The 29 individuals arrested remain in custody.

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