Police in London arrest more than 400 individuals during pro-Palestine protest.
On September 7, 2025, approximately 425 individuals were arrested during a significant demonstration in support of Palestine Action in the United Kingdom. This event underscores ongoing tensions following the UK government’s controversial designation of Palestine Action as a “terrorist” organization. The demonstration, organized by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, reportedly drew around 1,500 participants. Many attendees carried placards emblazoned with messages such as “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” highlighting their commitment to solidarity with Palestine.
The protest, which lasted approximately eight hours, was marked by confrontations between demonstrators and police. Participants chanted slogans, including “Shame on you” and “Met Police, pick a side, justice or genocide,” reflecting their anger over the government’s stance. As the situation escalated, police began detaining individuals, some of whom became passive during the arrests. In total, authorities confirmed that over 425 arrests occurred, with at least 25 individuals facing charges related to assaults on officers or public order offenses. The remainder were detained under the Terrorism Act, raising concerns among observers regarding civil rights implications.
Reports from the scene included instances of police utilizing batons, which led to injuries among protesters. One demonstrator was seen with visible injuries, underscoring tense interactions between law enforcement and participants. Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart described the actions taken by officers during the protest as a necessary response, yet Defend Our Juries countered this assertion, claiming that police provoked the confrontations.
Prior to this demonstration, related events had already attracted significant police presence, resulting in over 700 arrests, with a substantial number of charges under the Terrorism Act. Among those participating was Mike Higgins, a 62-year-old wheelchair user, who expressed defiance regarding his previous arrest and intent to continue advocating for his cause.
The global community, particularly human rights advocates, has voiced concerns regarding the UK government’s approach. Volker Turk, the United Nations human rights chief, emphasized that labeling Palestine Action as a terrorist organization raises alarms about the misuse of counterterrorism laws, which should pertain strictly to acts intended to cause serious harm. The classification diverges from established international definitions of terrorism, prompting dialogue about the legitimacy of protest and expression.
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, referred to the government’s ban as detrimental to civil liberties and indicative of a broader chilling effect on freedom of speech. Notably, the organization has garnered support from prominent figures, including bestselling author Sally Rooney, who has pledged to direct proceeds from her work toward supporting Palestine Action.
While Israel swiftly rejects allegations of genocide, many international observers and organizations cite evidence of systemic violence against Palestinians in Gaza. The UK government maintains that its designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist group does not infringe upon the rights of other lawful organizations, whether they support Palestinian or Israeli causes. A separate pro-Palestinian march held concurrently in London reportedly attracted about 20,000 participants, illustrating the substantial public engagement surrounding this contentious issue.
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