Freedom of speech or a threat to national security? That’s the question at the heart of a wave of arrests that swept across England during recent pro-Palestine protests. But here’s where it gets controversial… While many see these demonstrations as a legitimate expression of solidarity, authorities are drawing a hard line, citing terrorism laws to justify dozens of detentions. Here’s the full story.
In a series of coordinated protests organized by the campaign group Defend Our Juries, activists took to the streets in 10 major cities, including Bristol, Manchester, and Birmingham, last Saturday. Their message? A bold accusation against the UK government, claiming complicity in what they call ‘genocide’ and denouncing the ban on the direct action group Palestine Action. And this is the part most people miss… Palestine Action was officially classified as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act 2000 just last July, a move that has sparked fierce debate.
In Bristol, 31 individuals were arrested in the city center, while Manchester saw 34 detentions at a rally attended by 200 people. Birmingham wasn’t far behind, with 25 protesters arrested in Chamberlain Square for carrying placards in support of Palestine Action, according to West Midlands Police. Is this a justified crackdown or an overreach of power? Chief Inspector James Littlehales emphasized that while peaceful protests are respected, actions supporting banned organizations will not be tolerated. ‘We fully recognize people’s right to demonstrate peacefully,’ he said, ‘but we will take appropriate action where the law is breached.’
Greater Manchester Police echoed this stance, detaining 34 protesters in St Peter’s Square on suspicion of terror-related offenses. In Bristol, 30 arrests were made at College Green for allegedly displaying materials linked to proscribed groups, with one woman also held for failing to provide details under the Police Reform Act. Inspector Ben Spence confirmed the protest had concluded safely, but the arrests have left many questioning the boundaries of free speech.
Norwich saw 10 arrests, with Norfolk Police stating that individuals were held under the Terrorism Act for placards supporting Palestine Action. Meanwhile, in London, a separate protest organized by the Palestine Coalition drew a staggering 100,000 demonstrators. While largely peaceful, five arrests were made for public order offenses, including affray. The capital’s streets were awash with Palestinian flags and chants, with some protesters even setting off green and red fireworks as they marched from Green Park to Whitehall.
But here’s the bigger picture… These protests come against the backdrop of Israel’s military operation in Gaza, launched after Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 251 abductions. Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry reports over 70,100 fatalities, though these figures are disputed. A ceasefire was called on October 10, but tensions remain high.
So, where do you stand? Are these arrests a necessary measure to protect national security, or do they stifle legitimate dissent? Is the classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist group justified, or does it silence critical voices? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that needs to be had.