48 arrested at London U.S. embassy protest

Forty-eight people were detained by London’s Metropolitan Police on Saturday outside the U.S. Embassy. The arrests occurred during a demonstration in support of Palestine Action, a group the British government has designated as a terrorist organization.

Police stated that most detainees were taken into custody for expressing support for the proscribed entity. More than 100 individuals participated in the rally. Many held signs that read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

Crowds gathered near the diplomatic post chanted “free, free Palestine” and applauded as officers moved protesters toward police vans. Metropolitan Police officials confirmed that officers remained at the scene to process additional arrests as of the latest update.

The U.K. government banned Palestine Action last year. Under the new law, membership in or public support for the group carries a potential prison sentence of up to 14 years. The group was founded in 2020 with the goal of halting U.K. military aid to Israel.

Activists argue the ban infringes on their right to free speech. They describe the legislation as overly strict. The group claims it targets corporate partners of the Israeli military-industrial complex to stop what it calls genocide.

A similar vigil took place outside the U.S. Consulate in Edinburgh, Scotland. Police Scotland reported no arrests at that location but said they were reviewing evidence to identify individuals wearing supportive merchandise or holding banners. Officials noted that further action would follow the review.

The demonstrations occurred ahead of a scheduled hearing at the Supreme Court on Nov. 4. That session will address an appeal against Palestine Action’s terrorist designation. The U.S. government also announced sanctions against the group in August, joining the U.K. in labeling it a terror organization.