Sun Sep 07 10:48:49 UTC 2025: ## News Article: Hundreds Arrested at Palestine Action Protest in London, Sparking Free Speech Debate

**London, UK** – Over 400 people were arrested at a demonstration in London on Saturday protesting the government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The protest, organized by Defend Our Juries, drew an estimated 1,500 people who chanted slogans such as “Shame on you” and “Met Police, pick a side, justice or genocide.”

Police began making arrests immediately, leading to confrontations with demonstrators. Witnesses reported seeing officers using batons, while police claim they were met with violence from protestors, including punches, kicks, and thrown objects. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart described the treatment of officers as “intolerable.” However, Defend Our Juries disputed the police narrative, claiming officers initiated the aggression and dismissing claims of protester violence as “laughable.”

Of the 425 arrests, at least 25 face charges of assaulting officers or public order violations, while the majority were held under the Terrorism Act. This incident follows previous demonstrations where over 700 arrests were made, with 138 individuals charged under the same act.

The government’s decision to ban Palestine Action has drawn sharp criticism, raising concerns about freedom of speech and the application of counterterrorism laws. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk stated the law “misuses the gravity and impact of terrorism” and risks hindering fundamental freedoms. He emphasized that international standards limit the definition of “terrorist” acts to crimes involving death, serious injury, or hostage-taking.

Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori condemned the ban as “catastrophic” for civil liberties, creating a “much wider chilling effect on freedom of speech.” The organization has garnered support from prominent figures, including author Sally Rooney, who pledged to use her earnings to support Palestine Action.

The government maintains that the designation of Palestine Action does not impact other lawful organizations campaigning or protesting peacefully. The situation has sparked a wider debate about the balance between national security and the right to protest, with critics arguing that the government’s actions are stifling dissent and targeting pro-Palestinian voices.

A separate pro-Palestinian march also took place in London on Saturday, drawing an estimated 20,000 participants.

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