UK police arrest scores of Palestine Action supporters
Some 55 people were held at a demonstration in London's Parliament Square under the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying signs supporting Palestine Action, the Metropolitan Police said.
The protesters held up placards reading, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."
Another eight were detained at a separate march in London.
A further eight were held in Truro in Cornwall.
Other protests were held in northwestern Manchester, where 18 people were detained, in western Bristol, where 17 more were arrested, and in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, police reported.
The campaign group organized the rallies Defend Our Juries, which had stated that they were intended to "defy" the ban.
Since the Palestine Action ban kicked in on July 5, police have warned that expressing support for the group was now a crime, after a last-ditch High Court challenge failed to stop its proscription becoming law.
The government announced plans for the ban under the 2000 Terrorism Act, days after activists from the group claimed to be behind a break-in at an air force base in southern England.
Two aircraft were sprayed with red paint, causing an estimated £7 million ($9.55 million) in damage.
Four people charged in relation to the incident remain in custody.
Palestine Action has condemned its outlawing — which makes it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison — as an attack on free speech.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
L'Orient-Le Jour
4 days ago
- L'Orient-Le Jour
UK police arrest scores of Palestine Action supporters
U.K. police arrested scores of people in London and other cities for supporting Palestine Action in a third consecutive weekend of protests over the government's decision to ban the activist group using anti-terror laws. Some 55 people were held at a demonstration in London's Parliament Square under the Terrorism Act 2000 for displaying signs supporting Palestine Action, the Metropolitan Police said. The protesters held up placards reading, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." Another eight were detained at a separate march in London. A further eight were held in Truro in Cornwall. Other protests were held in northwestern Manchester, where 18 people were detained, in western Bristol, where 17 more were arrested, and in the Scottish capital, Edinburgh, police reported. The campaign group organized the rallies Defend Our Juries, which had stated that they were intended to "defy" the ban. Since the Palestine Action ban kicked in on July 5, police have warned that expressing support for the group was now a crime, after a last-ditch High Court challenge failed to stop its proscription becoming law. The government announced plans for the ban under the 2000 Terrorism Act, days after activists from the group claimed to be behind a break-in at an air force base in southern England. Two aircraft were sprayed with red paint, causing an estimated £7 million ($9.55 million) in damage. Four people charged in relation to the incident remain in custody. Palestine Action has condemned its outlawing — which makes it a criminal offence to belong to or support the group, punishable by up to 14 years in prison — as an attack on free speech.
Cedar News
11-07-2025
- Cedar News
Man Fatally Stabbed Outside Luxury London Hotel Identified as Blue Stevens, 24
A man who died following a stabbing outside a five-star hotel in west London has been identified by police as 24-year-old Blue Stevens from Yateley, Hampshire. Emergency services were called just before 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday to the Park Tower Hotel on Seville Street in Knightsbridge. Despite efforts by paramedics, Stevens died at the scene from knife wounds, according to the Metropolitan Police. No arrests have been made so far, and detectives say they are working to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the fatal attack. Police confirmed the victim's family has been informed and is being supported by specialist officers. The area surrounding the hotel — including the adjacent Nusr-Et steakhouse run by celebrity Turkish chef Nusret Gokce, also known as 'Salt Bae' — was cordoned off while investigators examined the scene. In the hours following the incident, flowers, cards, and candles were placed near the site in tribute to Stevens. Messages read: 'We are all absolutely devastated without you. You took a piece of my heart with you' and 'Forever in our hearts. Forever missed.' Commander Christina Jessah, who oversees policing in the area, offered condolences to Stevens' family and urged the public not to speculate. 'We are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances,' she said. 'Our thoughts remain with Blue's loved ones, and they have asked for privacy as they come to terms with this devastating loss.' A spokesperson for the Park Tower Hotel confirmed that the incident did not involve any hotel guests or staff. Police say several lines of enquiry are being pursued, and the public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area. Knightsbridge, one of London's most affluent districts, is known for its high-end shops, luxury residences, and proximity to Harrods and Hyde Park.
Cedar News
10-07-2025
- Cedar News
Man Fatally Stabbed Outside Luxury Hotel in London's Knightsbridge District
— A 24-year-old man has died following a stabbing incident that took place outside the five-star Park Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge, west London, on Wednesday night. Emergency services — including the Metropolitan Police, paramedics, and London's Air Ambulance — rushed to Seville Street just before 9:30 p.m. BST, where the man was found with multiple knife wounds. Despite the efforts of medics at the scene, the victim was pronounced dead shortly after. The Metropolitan Police confirmed that no arrests have been made so far and that an investigation is underway to determine the motive and exact circumstances surrounding the attack. A spokesperson for the Park Tower Hotel emphasized that neither the hotel's guests nor staff were involved in the incident. The crime scene, located near luxury boutiques and high-end restaurants — including Nusr-Et Steakhouse, owned by celebrity chef Nusret Gökçe ('Salt Bae') — was cordoned off by police. Bouquets of flowers have since been laid at the site in tribute to the victim. Superintendent Owen Renowden of the Kensington and Chelsea Police said: 'We are aware of reports suggesting this may have been a robbery, but we are keeping an open mind. Our priority now is to uncover the full picture of what happened.' London's Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime, Kaya Comer-Schwartz, condemned the violence, stating: 'This appalling act highlights the urgent need to tackle knife crime. There will be increased high-visibility police patrols in the area.' The victim's family has been notified and is receiving support from specially trained officers. This incident comes amid growing concerns over violent crime in central London. In a similarly tragic event in 2021, Omani student Mohammed Al-Araimi was fatally stabbed near Harrods in an attempted robbery. His attacker was sentenced to a minimum of 27 years in prison. Police are urging anyone with information about Wednesday's incident to come forward.
