Dozens of individuals were arrested outside a London courthouse on Thursday for expressing support for Palestine Action, a protest group that has been banned as a terrorist organization by the British government. The arrests occurred as the group was granted permission to seek a reversal of the year-old ban at the U.K. Supreme Court.
The ban criminalizes membership in or support for Palestine Action, carrying a potential penalty of up to 14 years in prison. Demonstrators gathered outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court, with some shouting slogans such as “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” The Metropolitan Police reported 77 arrests, primarily for “expressing support for a proscribed organization.”
Since the group was outlawed, more than 3,000 individuals have been arrested for actions including holding signs that declare support for Palestine Action. Over 1,200 have been charged under the Terrorism Act, though no convictions have been secured to date.
The British government outlawed Palestine Action following an incident in June 2025 where activists entered a Royal Air Force base to protest against UK military backing for Israel's military campaign in Gaza.
Initially, the ban was overturned by the High Court in February. However, the Court of Appeal reinstated the ban in June, characterizing it as a “justified and proportionate” measure that balanced freedom of expression with concerns over the group's alleged use of violence to “destroy property and cause injury.”
On Thursday, the Supreme Court announced that Palestine Action founder Huda Ammori can present the case to the country's highest court. The case is expected to be heard between October and December. All legal proceedings against individuals charged with violating the ban have been suspended pending the Supreme Court's ruling.