Over 400 arrested in London during protest in support of Palestine

More than 425 people have been arrested in central London during a protest calling for the lifting of the ban on the activist group Palestine Action, according to police and organisers.

The demonstration, held on Saturday (September 6) in Parliament Square and organised by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, drew around 1,500 participants, who rallied in solidarity with Palestine and denounced what they described as political repression, reports Al Jazeera.

Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police, with videos posted on social media showing officers forcefully detaining protesters, some of whom were holding placards that read "Protest Against Genocide" and "Pro-Palestinian Action."

The group accused authorities of arresting people merely for expressing support for Palestinian rights.

According to UK media, including the Press Association, police used batons during the confrontation. One protester was seen bleeding from the face, while others were pushed to the ground amid chaotic scenes. Bottles were reportedly thrown, and scuffles erupted as tensions escalated between police and protesters.

In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said those arrested face charges including assaulting officers and supporting a proscribed organisation.

The force alleged that officers were “punched, kicked, spat on, and pelted with objects,” including stones, during efforts to disperse the crowd.

The protest follows increasing scrutiny of the UK government's approach to pro-Palestinian activism, with rights groups warning that recent crackdowns have raised concerns over freedom of expression and the criminalisation of political dissent.

No fatalities have been reported, but several injuries occurred during the unrest.