Police report 48 arrests at London Palestine Action protest

The Metropolitan Police said 48 people had been arrested by mid-afternoon on October 31 at a protest outside the U.S. Embassy in London opposing the ban on Palestine Action, and that arrests were continuing. The force said most arrests were for expressing support for a proscribed organisation. More than 100 people gathered in the Nine Elms area, many holding signs reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” Police had warned that expressing support for the group could lead to arrest under the Terrorism Act. A Section 35 dispersal order was in place in parts of London from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., allowing officers to direct people to leave designated areas. A separate vigil took place outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh. Police Scotland said no arrests had been made there at the time, but inquiries were continuing to identify people seen wearing T-shirts or holding banners showing support for Palestine Action. The force said evidence was being reviewed and further action would be taken as appropriate. The demonstrations took place ahead of a Supreme Court appeal challenging the group’s proscription, scheduled to begin November 4 and run for two days. The appeal was...