Over 500 Detained at Central London Demonstration Against Activist Group Ban
Metropolitan Police officers detained more than 500 individuals during a demonstration in central London protesting the prohibition of a pro-Palestinian activist organization, authorities confirmed.
Law enforcement officials stated that arrests were made when participants displayed support for a banned organization. Those taken into custody ranged in age from 18 to 87 years old, according to police reports.
Large crowds assembled in Trafalgar Square, with numerous attendees carrying placards expressing opposition to genocide and solidarity with Palestinian causes. The messages displayed echoed those seen at previous gatherings organized by the activist group.
The Saturday demonstration, dubbed “Everyone Day,” was organized by Defend our Juries, which described the event as showcasing “unwaning resistance” to the prohibition of the activist organization.
Protesters displayed various banners and signs, with some participants voicing their support for protest rights while expressing opposition to US and Israeli policies.
The activist organization was classified as illegal in July 2025 when government officials banned it under counter-terrorism legislation. Although a court ruling in February declared the ban unlawful, it remained enforceable pending an appeal process.
Following the High Court decision, Metropolitan Police initially suggested officers would be unlikely to make arrests. However, in March, the force announced it would resume detaining demonstrators for supporting the banned organization.
Prior to Saturday’s event, police issued warnings about potential criminal charges and urged individuals to consider the consequences of participation.
“Attendees should understand that expressing support for a proscribed organization constitutes an offense under terrorism legislation, and we will take action when laws are violated,” stated Commander Claire Smart, who oversees London policing operations.
Several demonstration participants told reporters they were prepared to face arrest. Among those detained was Robert Del Naja, a founding member of the electronic music group Massive Attack, who had previously expressed his intention to attend despite arrest risks.
Del Naja stated he believed he could challenge any arrest in court as unlawful. The musician, whose Bristol-based collective gained fame with 1990s hits, described the activist group’s actions as “highly patriotic” for attempting to prevent involvement in what he characterized as war crimes.
Demonstrator Linda Walker explained her participation by citing ongoing violence in the region, stating that government action seemed directed only at those attempting to halt the conflict.
A United Nations inquiry commission reported in September that Israeli authorities had committed acts meeting genocide definitions under international law. The 72-page document outlined four of five genocide acts as defined by the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Israeli officials rejected the UN findings, calling them “distorted and false.” Israel has consistently denied genocide accusations, maintaining that military actions constitute legitimate self-defense measures.
Another protester mentioned being arrested ten times previously and anticipated similar treatment at this demonstration.
Police reported 212 arrests by mid-afternoon, with detentions continuing throughout the day. By late evening, authorities confirmed 523 total arrests, praising officers for their professional conduct.
More than 2,200 individuals have been arrested for allegedly supporting the activist organization since its prohibition under terrorism legislation last summer. Court proceedings for hundreds of accused individuals remain suspended while legal challenges to the ban continue through the judicial system.
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