AhlulBayt News Agency: In defiance of the UK government’s recent ban, demonstrators gathered in central London to express solidarity with the pro-Palestinian group, Palestine Action. The group, known for targeting Israeli arms manufacturers in the UK, was officially designated a terrorist organization after a last-minute legal challenge failed. The ban took effect on Saturday.
Under the new law, supporting or being a member of Palestine Action is now a criminal offense in the UK, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Despite warnings from the Metropolitan Police, protesters assembled in Parliament Square, holding placards and chanting in support of the group.
The protest, organized by Defend Our Juries, featured signs reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” Police had warned that such expressions could lead to arrest under the Terrorism Act. Over 20 people were reportedly detained during the demonstration.
In a letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, protesters declared they would not be silenced by the government’s order. Palestine Action has long focused its efforts on Elbit Systems UK, which it accuses of supplying weapons to Israel amid the war in Gaza.
In its latest action, the group targeted Guardtech, a subcontractor for Instro Precision—an Elbit subsidiary—by blocking its entrance and splashing red paint to symbolize bloodshed in Gaza. The group claims Guardtech’s services are essential for producing Israeli military equipment.
Responding to the ban, a Palestine Action spokesperson condemned the UK’s move as absurd and accused Israel of committing real acts of terrorism in Gaza. The group reaffirmed its commitment to direct action against what it calls crimes of genocide, apartheid, and occupation.
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