🇬🇧 Today’s London Arrests: Protest, Proscription, and Public Outcry
Date: October 4, 2025
Location: Trafalgar Square, London
Today, central London witnessed a dramatic escalation in tensions as over 440 protesters were arrested during a demonstration organized by Defend Our Juries in support of the banned group Palestine Action. The protest proceeded despite appeals from government officials and police to postpone the event following Thursday’s deadly attack on a synagogue in Manchester.
🔥 What Happened
- Protesters gathered in Trafalgar Square, holding placards and chanting slogans in defiance of the July proscription of Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws.
- Arrests were made under legislation prohibiting support for proscribed organizations.
- Six individuals were detained separately for unfurling banners on Westminster Bridge.
- Demonstrators applauded those being arrested, while others shouted “shame on you” at police officers.
🗣️ Voices from the Ground
Angie Zelter, one of the demonstrators, stated:
“We have a right to protest and Palestine Action is not a violent organization. It should never have been proscribed.”
A vicar holding a sign reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action” was among those carried away by police.
🏛️ Political Reactions
Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged restraint, saying:
“This is a moment of mourning. It is not a time to stoke tension and cause further pain.”
Meanwhile, Amnesty International UK criticized the mass arrests, warning they may breach international human rights obligations.
🕊️ Context and Consequences
The protest follows a summer of rising antisemitic and Islamophobic incidents in Britain. Jewish and Muslim communities alike have expressed fears for their safety. The government’s decision to ban Palestine Action has sparked ongoing debate about civil liberties, protest rights, and the balance between national security and free expression.
