AhlulBayt News Agency: The head of London’s Metropolitan Police is facing sharp criticism after defending the arrest of 83-year-old retired priest Sue Parfitt, who expressed support for the pro-Palestinian campaign group Palestine Action and publicly opposed Israel’s war on Gaza.
Over the weekend, demonstrators assembled at Parliament Square, defying prior warnings from the Met Police, which stated that expressing support for Palestine Action constitutes a criminal offense.
The Metropolitan Police later confirmed that 29 individuals were arrested on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses.
Among them was octogenarian priest Sue Parfitt, detained for holding a placard that read, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
Her arrest triggered widespread public outrage across the UK, including on social media platforms.
The situation escalated further after comments from Met Commissioner Mark Rowley, who defended the arrest during an interview with the BBC.
Rowley stated, “The law doesn’t have an age limit—whether you’re 18 or 80,” and added, “Supporting proscribed organizations breaks serious laws, and our officers handled it with care while enforcing the law.”
Zack Polanski, Deputy Leader of the Green Party and a leadership contender, criticized Rowley’s repeated use of the term “serious” and condemned Prime Minister Keir Starmer for installing him as police chief.
Polanski stated, “The real depravity is arresting people for opposing genocide, which our own government is complicit in. That’s what’s truly serious.”
Palestine Action was officially designated a terrorist organization by the British government starting at midnight on July 5.
The group campaigns against Elbit Systems UK, accusing it of supplying weapons to Israel amid its war in Gaza. It advocates for direct action to end Britain’s role in enabling such military operations.
Under the new law, affiliation with or public endorsement of Palestine Action is now punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Palestine Action responded by stating that while the UK is rushing to criminalize its activism, “the real terrorism is being committed in Gaza.”
Human rights organizations have expressed concern that anti-terror laws are being misused to stifle activism and dissent related to Palestinian rights.
Since the launch of Israel’s war on Gaza in October 2023, the UK has witnessed historic levels of pro-Palestinian demonstrations, with hundreds of thousands protesting British arms sales to Tel Aviv.
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