A wave of arrests unfolded in Trafalgar Square as hundreds gathered to voice support for Palestine Action, a group now designated as proscribed. The Metropolitan Police moved swiftly, detaining over 212 individuals, their ages spanning a remarkable range – from 27 to 82 years old.
The scene was stark. Many demonstrators, predominantly elderly, sat peacefully with placards, some on camping chairs, others directly on the ground. Yet, officers carried protesters away, some with grey hair, their bodies lifted and removed from the demonstration. Chants of “shame on you” echoed through the square.
Banners proclaimed demands for truth and condemned suffering: “Jurors deserve to hear the whole truth” and “Israel starves kids” were prominently displayed. A woman was seen being carried away by officers, bystanders shouting for medical attention as she lay motionless for a moment, surrounded by a concerned circle.
The arrests weren’t simply removals; they were often physical. An elderly man with a walking stick was assisted – or rather, escorted – to a police van. One observer, witnessing the scene, exclaimed, “Yeah she looks like a terrorist doesn’t she mate,” a pointed commentary on the perceived overreach of the police action.
Protesters, some held by the ankles and under the arms, were led to a fenced-off area. Amidst the tension, a woman smiled, displaying her handcuffed hands, while others sat in silent protest. The sheer number of officers present underscored the scale of the operation.
The Labour government’s 2025 ban on Palestine Action fueled the demonstration, with Defend Our Juries framing the event as a powerful display of resistance. The group argued the ban threatened fundamental rights, extending beyond this single organization to encompass all forms of peaceful protest.
A 69-year-old protester, having been arrested previously, expressed unwavering commitment. “Of course not,” she replied when asked if arrest would deter her. She spoke of a “massive genocide” and a “real takeover of the world,” her voice filled with urgency and fear.
Yael Kahn, a woman with a deeply personal connection to the conflict, shared a poignant reflection. Having cared for political prisoners in Gaza, she wished similar displays of solidarity had existed during the Holocaust, expressing profound admiration for the protesters in Trafalgar Square.
Ms. Kahn voiced frustration that authorities were not focusing on those she believes are truly responsible for violence, but instead targeting those offering support and raising awareness. She questioned why those “with hands covered in blood” were not subject to the same scrutiny.
The Metropolitan Police had briefly paused arrests following a High Court ruling deeming the ban unlawful, but resumed them pending an appeal. This legal battle continues to cast a shadow over the protests and the rights of those involved.
Former Metropolitan Police chief superintendent Dal Babu acknowledged the logistical challenges of arresting hundreds willing to be detained, predicting difficult optics for the force. He emphasized the operation would be driven by intelligence regarding the scale and intent of the demonstration.
Protesters have adopted a strategy of mass rallies, deliberately overwhelming the justice system with displays of support. Over 3,000 arrests have been made nationwide since the ban, with London accounting for over 2,400 of those detentions.
The consequences of proscription are severe, carrying a potential 14-year prison sentence for membership or support of Palestine Action. The events in Trafalgar Square represent a critical juncture in the ongoing debate surrounding protest, freedom of expression, and the complexities of international conflict.
