The Metropolitan Police condemned "intolerable" abuse against officers while arresting more than 425 people at a Palestine Action protest in Parliament Square. Most arrests were for supporting a proscribed organisation, while around 25 people faced charges for assaults on police officers and other public order offences.
The force deployed 2,500 officers to police the demonstration, taking them away from other duties across London. Police criticised protesters' attempts to "overwhelm the justice system" as hundreds defied the ban by declaring support for the group.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart detailed the treatment officers faced during the protest. She said: "In carrying out their duties today, our officers have been punched, kicked, spat on and had objects thrown at them by protesters. It is intolerable that those whose job it is to enforce the law and keep people safe - in this case arresting individuals committing offences under the Terrorism Act - should be subject to this level of abuse."
Organisers dispute police claims
Defend Our Juries, which organised the rally attended by 1,500 people, strongly disputed the police account. A spokesperson described the protest as "the picture of peaceful protest" and called the Met's abuse claims "astonishing".
The spokesperson told PA they witnessed no violence from protesters throughout the day. They said: "The people they're arresting, it's all people sitting here silently holding signs, a lot of elderly, many disabled people, veterans, vicars, healthcare workers in their scrubs, just like the picture of peaceful protest. I've only seen aggression and violence from the police."
The group suggested police were "embarrassed" and making violence claims to "deflect and change the narrative" away from the ban being "unenforceable". They argued the prohibition was "being made a mockery of" by the numbers defying it.
Violent clashes emerge
Despite organisers' claims, violent incidents occurred as tensions escalated through the afternoon. Officers drew batons during clashes and forced their way through crowds while carrying arrested protesters, creating frantic scenes across the area.
One protester was seen with blood streaming down his face, while several others fell during a crush. A man appearing to be in his 50s unfurled an Israeli flag, sparking a scuffle as protesters tried to seize it before police escorted him away.
The crowd chanted "shame on you" and "you're supporting genocide" at officers, with some references to former Metropolitan officer Wayne Couzens. Protesters also gathered for separate demonstrations in Belfast and Edinburgh, while a Palestine Coalition march with around 20,000 attendees passed with very few arrests.
Background to the ban
Palestine Action was proscribed as a terrorist organisation in July after claiming responsibility for damaging two Voyager planes at RAF Brize Norton on 20th June. The ban makes membership or support for the group punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The group's co-founder Huda Ammori is mounting a legal challenge against the proscription decision made by former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. The Home Office plans to appeal against a High Court ruling allowing Ammori's challenge to proceed.
Among those arrested was 83-year-old Reverend Sue Parfitt, facing her second arrest for demonstrating support for Palestine Action. She said: "The truth is that Palestine Action is not a terrorist organisation. It caused much damage confined to the weapons that are being used on the Palestinians."
Sources used: "PA Media" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
