By Safina Khan | VOA News UK
LONDON: Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the US Embassy in London on Saturday to oppose the UK government’s ban on Palestine Action and express support for the pro-Palestinian group.
The demonstration was organised by Defend Our Juries, which has been campaigning against the ban. Many participants carried placards condemning the killing of Palestinians in Gaza and expressing solidarity with Palestine Action.
Organisers said the US Embassy was chosen as the protest venue because the United States has also imposed sanctions against Palestine Action.
Police arrested protesters who openly expressed support for the banned organisation. The total number of arrests at Saturday’s demonstration had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.
The UK government proscribed Palestine Action in July 2025 following an incident at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire, where activists sprayed red paint on military aircraft. The government argued that the group’s actions had crossed a line, leading to its proscription under anti-terrorism legislation.
Under the ban, membership of or support for Palestine Action can constitute a criminal offence.
Defend Our Juries has organised demonstrations across the UK challenging the government’s decision. According to figures cited by campaigners, around 4,000 people have been arrested at protests linked to the campaign.
The ban has also triggered a legal battle between Palestine Action and the UK government. The dispute is continuing through the courts, with further proceedings expected next week.
The protests reflect the continuing controversy in Britain over the government’s decision, with campaigners raising concerns about freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest, while authorities maintain that the proscription is justified under the law.
