Palestine Action activists on top of the Israel-based Elbit Systems factory in Oldham, 2021. (Palestine Action)
Group officially designated a terrorist organization after RAF base attack; supporters detained under anti-terrorism laws.
By David Brummer, World Israel News
The arrests came just hours after the group was formally proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000, following an unsuccessful legal challenge the previous day, according to Ynet.
The UK government moved to outlaw Palestine Action last month after activists from the group broke into the Royal Air Force’s Brize Norton base and caused an estimated £7 million in damage to two military planes.
The protest was aimed at highlighting what the group claims is Britain’s support for Israel.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned the incident, calling the damage to the aircraft “disgraceful,” and cited the group’s “long history of unacceptable criminal damage” as justification for its proscription.
In announcing the ban, Cooper said violence and vandalism have “no place in legitimate protest.”
Under the UK’s anti-terrorism laws, it is a criminal offense to show support for a banned organization, display its symbols, or express approval of its actions.
Those convicted could face up to 14 years in prison and/or a fine.
On Saturday afternoon, a small group of Palestine Action supporters gathered in Parliament Square near the statue of Mahatma Gandhi.
Some held placards reading “I OPPOSE GENOCIDE. I SUPPORT PALESTINE ACTION.”
Footage from Sky News showed police surrounding the demonstrators and arresting several individuals, including a woman seen being led away in handcuffs.
The protest had been flagged in advance by the activist group Defend Our Juries, which notified Metropolitan Police Commissioner Mark Rowley on Friday of its intent to demonstrate.
Following the arrests, the group issued a statement saying, “It’s a relief to know that Counter Terrorism police have nothing better to do.”
Critics of the proscription, including civil liberties groups and some UN experts, argue that damaging property—even if illegal—should not be equated with terrorism.
Palestine Action has primarily targeted firms linked to Israeli defense exports, including Elbit Systems facilities in the UK, particularly in Manchester and Bristol.
Separately, police arrested five members of the Youth Demand group on Saturday after they threw red paint on a truck in the London Pride parade and glued themselves to the vehicle.
That demonstration was also related to the ongoing war in Gaza, now in its 639th day.
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