Five members of the group Defend Our Juries, which supports Palestine Action, were arrested in police raids just hours before they were set to announce a fresh mass protest against the ban on the organization.
The arrests occurred under section 12 of the Terrorism Act, which covers support for banned groups.
Defend Our Juries stated that more than 1,000 people are prepared to participate in the action on September 6, holding signs that read 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.' This follows a series of demonstrations over the summer that resulted in over 700 arrests and 114 charges.
Among those arrested were Tim Crosland and law student Paddy Friend, who had hosted a Zoom call providing legal advice to participants.
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries described the arrests as 'scandalous,' labeling them an 'unprecedented assault on free speech' and comparing the tactics to those of authoritarian regimes.
Despite the crackdown, the group affirmed that the mass action would proceed, emphasizing that the defiance against the 'unjust ban' is unstoppable.
They noted that no one has been arrested for joining the Zoom calls, only the hosts, and another call was planned for that evening.
Kerry Moscogiuri from Amnesty International UK called the arrests 'incredibly concerning' and demanded the immediate release of those held, highlighting that the peaceful demonstrations are protected by international human rights law and that the risk of up to 14 years imprisonment exemplifies the UK's willingness to use authoritarian practices to silence dissent.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests of two men aged 26 and 55, a 61-year-old woman in London, a 48-year-old woman in Kendal, Cumbria, and a 39-year-old man in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, all on suspicion of encouraging support for a proscribed organization.
Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan stated that the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into encouraging support for the proscribed group Palestine Action, noting that while there is strong feeling about the situation in Palestine, supporting this group can lead to serious consequences under the Terrorism Act.
The Home Office and Met Police were aware of the planned press conference, and the arrests targeted perceived organizers.
This incident raises significant concerns about freedom of expression and the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful protesters in a democratic society.
The broader context includes ongoing tensions related to Palestine Action's activities and the government's stance on proscribed organizations, with critics arguing that such measures stifle legitimate dissent and advocacy for human rights.
The arrests occurred under section 12 of the Terrorism Act, which covers support for banned groups.
Defend Our Juries stated that more than 1,000 people are prepared to participate in the action on September 6, holding signs that read 'I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.' This follows a series of demonstrations over the summer that resulted in over 700 arrests and 114 charges.
Among those arrested were Tim Crosland and law student Paddy Friend, who had hosted a Zoom call providing legal advice to participants.
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries described the arrests as 'scandalous,' labeling them an 'unprecedented assault on free speech' and comparing the tactics to those of authoritarian regimes.
Despite the crackdown, the group affirmed that the mass action would proceed, emphasizing that the defiance against the 'unjust ban' is unstoppable.
They noted that no one has been arrested for joining the Zoom calls, only the hosts, and another call was planned for that evening.
Kerry Moscogiuri from Amnesty International UK called the arrests 'incredibly concerning' and demanded the immediate release of those held, highlighting that the peaceful demonstrations are protected by international human rights law and that the risk of up to 14 years imprisonment exemplifies the UK's willingness to use authoritarian practices to silence dissent.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests of two men aged 26 and 55, a 61-year-old woman in London, a 48-year-old woman in Kendal, Cumbria, and a 39-year-old man in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, all on suspicion of encouraging support for a proscribed organization.
Chief Superintendent Helen Flanagan stated that the arrests are part of an ongoing investigation into encouraging support for the proscribed group Palestine Action, noting that while there is strong feeling about the situation in Palestine, supporting this group can lead to serious consequences under the Terrorism Act.
The Home Office and Met Police were aware of the planned press conference, and the arrests targeted perceived organizers.
This incident raises significant concerns about freedom of expression and the use of counter-terrorism laws against peaceful protesters in a democratic society.
The broader context includes ongoing tensions related to Palestine Action's activities and the government's stance on proscribed organizations, with critics arguing that such measures stifle legitimate dissent and advocacy for human rights.