
British police arrest demonstrators in front of the American embassy on charges of supporting an organization banned under the anti-terrorism law
British police arrested 325 people during a protest in front of the US Embassy in London in support of the banned organization 'Palestine Action', most of whom were charged with supporting an organization banned under anti-terrorism laws.
AI-generated summary
The British government banned Palestine Action in July 2025 under anti-terrorism legislation. The organization is currently facing a legal challenge before the Supreme Court over the legality of this ban.
British police arrested more than 300 people during a demonstration organized in front of the American embassy in London, in support of the banned “Palestine Action” organization.
Hundreds of demonstrators gathered on Saturday in the Nine Elms area of the British capital, and many raised banners with phrases written on them, including: “I oppose genocide and support Palestine Action.”
The London Metropolitan Police said on Sunday that the number of detainees reached 325 people, explaining that 320 of them were arrested on charges of "expressing support for an organization banned under the Anti-Terrorism Act."
According to the police, the number of arrests linked to the group has exceeded 4,000 since it was banned in July 2025.
The British Supreme Court is scheduled to consider the decision to ban the group under anti-terrorism legislation, after one of its co-founders obtained permission to appeal the decision.
For its part, the British Home Office confirmed that it would “vigorously defend” the ban before the court.
The arrest operations continued until the evening hours, as police officers took the demonstrators to security vehicles to transport them, amid applause from a number of protesters, while some of them chanted: “Freedom for Palestine.”
In some cases, police officers had to carry away demonstrators who refused to march with them.
Retired solicitor Charles Allison, who was arrested by police in the afternoon, had traveled from Cumbria to take part. He said that he was concerned about the level of people's civil liberties, which he said was declining.
The 75-year-old said: “I hope that the Supreme Court justices will look - not necessarily be moved by the protest - but I hope that they will take a long-term view of what is happening in this country and decide that the ban was illegal, as I believe it was.”
David Bouldin, another protester awaiting arrest, called the ban a "ridiculous law."
Defend Our Juries, which is coordinating a series of protests against the ban, said the number of people arrested this weekend brought the total number of arrests to more than 4,000 since the group was banned, describing the situation as "truly desperate."
According to Interior Ministry figures seen by the BBC, 3,630 people were arrested in the year ending June 2026.
Adding the 134 people arrested outside Westminster Magistrates Court earlier this year, plus those arrested on Saturday, brings the total to 4,089 people.
The BBC has contacted the Metropolitan Police to confirm any numbers they may have.
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
The Supreme Court considered an appeal against the decision to ban Palestine Action.
Very likely · Within months

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi is preparing to visit Kuwait and Bahrain as part of a regional tour to strengthen relations, at a time when fears are rising of a possible Israeli war in southern Lebanon and Syrian efforts to dismantle drug smuggling networks continue.

Iranian negotiators are in Doha to continue talks to end the war, while Trump threatens additional targets in Iran. Tehran warns of a long war and escalation against British institutions, amid continuing drone attacks in the region.

The 2026 Manama Dialogue Forum concluded with Gulf calls to strengthen joint defense and protect navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. In parallel, health data revealed a sharp increase in death and displacement rates in the besieged Yemeni city of Taiz, amid criticism of the weak international response.

Anwar Gargash, diplomatic advisor to the President of the UAE, stressed during the Manama Dialogue that the security of the Gulf states is interconnected, stressing the necessity of political solutions to avoid military confrontation, and noting that confidence in Iran has been severely damaged by its attacks on its neighbors.

Mohamed ElBaradei warned that any US military strike against Iran would lead to more violence and destruction, calling on influential parties to dissuade Donald Trump from doing so, at a time when Iran confirmed its readiness to respond to any threat.

A Lebanese ministerial delegation visits Damascus to discuss the files of the displaced and security, while Deir ez-Zor witnesses mass poisoning cases exceeding 247 cases, and Egypt continues to send humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.