Five Dutch among 425 arrested in London protest by banned group Palestine Action
At least five Dutch nationals were arrested Saturday during a demonstration in London by the banned organization Palestine Action, officials said. In total, London police reported more than 425 people were detained during the protest.
The Dutch demonstrators joined a group of seven to protest near the British Parliament. A spokesperson for Extinction Rebellion (XR), which noted that the Dutch participants frequently attend XR actions, said it is unclear when the arrested individuals will be released. The two remaining members of the Dutch group may also face arrest or have already been detained, according to RTL.
London police said most arrests were for “supporting a banned organization.” At least 25 people were taken into custody for violent acts against officers and other public order offenses. “Officers were struck, kicked, spat on, and pelted with objects,” the police said in a statement.
Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organization by the British government in July after members infiltrated a Royal Air Force base and vandalized several military aircraft with red paint. The group opposes what it calls British complicity in Israeli military operations and targets defense contractors, including the Israeli company Elbit Systems. Palestine Action claims it does not use violence.
The protest drew roughly 1,000 people to the area around Parliament, with demonstrators chanting slogans such as “shame on you” and “you support genocide.”
Critics, including Amnesty International and the United Nations, have condemned the ban on Palestine Action. Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief, said the prohibition violates international law.
