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Twelve people were arrested at a pro-Palestinian march in central London on Saturday afternoon calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
The arrests were made on a series of criminal charges, including one person who was detained on suspicion of supporting a terrorist organization.
Two people holding placards were arrested on charges of inciting racial hatred.
Police arrested one of the men, a man, on suspicion of assault, and as a result six more people were arrested on suspicion of assaulting emergency workers, the Metropolitan Police said.
The Palestine Solidarity Campaign said 200,000 to 250,000 people are expected to take part in the demonstration, which began south of Marble Arch at 1:30 p.m. The Metropolitan Police Department said the “overwhelming majority” of participants were peaceful and acting lawfully.
Demonstrators took to the streets of the capital holding banners calling for a “ceasefire now” and chanting “Free, Free Palestine.” Former Labor Party leader Jeremy Corbyn was among those who spoke at the march. The Islington North MP told the audience he would vote in favor of the SNP’s ceasefire motion in Westminster next week.
Mr Corbyn took to the stage to thunderous applause and told the crowd: This is the 14th nationwide demonstration, and there will be as many demonstrations as necessary until a ceasefire is achieved and justice is achieved for the Palestinian people. ”
Saturday’s demonstration was the second time pro-Palestinian protests have taken place near the Israeli embassy since the October 7 terrorist attack by Hamas, which is banned by the British government.
A static rally was held near the embassy on October 9. Police said the start time was enough time for the synagogue event to end.
People participating in a pro-Palestinian demonstration in central London (Jordan Pettit/Pennsylvania)
(PA wire)
The Met said the decision to allow a protest in the immediate vicinity of the embassy “may leave some wondering why it was allowed” but that the military can grant or deny permits for protests. said it was a “common misconception”.
There has been no “real risk of serious disorder” at recent demonstrations, and was not expected on Saturday, for the Metropolitan Region to ask the interior minister to ban the protests, the force added.
The march was scheduled to begin along Park Lane and continue to Knightsbridge and Kensington Road, ending at the intersection of Kensington Court, where the speeches would take place.
Around 1,500 police officers from forces across the UK will be on duty to maintain public order during the demonstrations.
Protesters were detained behind a police-managed fence more than 100 meters from the embassy grounds and were to be arrested if they did not comply.
Around 1,500 police officers from forces across the UK were on duty during the demonstrations (Jordan Pettit/Pennsylvania)
(PA wire)
Conditions under Article 12 of the Security Act. This means those participating in the march must not deviate from the route.
Police also said that construction of gazebos and other stalls is not allowed in certain areas of Marble Arch.
The other two were arrested for refusing to remove their masks when asked by police under Section 60AA of the Public Security Act.
Just before 6.30pm, the Met posted on X (formerly Twitter): “Today’s protests have completely ended.
“Twelve people were arrested for placard-related offenses, assaulting police officers, and refusing to remove face coverings. Fortunately, none of the assaulted officers were seriously injured.” Ta.
“Despite these arrests, the overwhelming majority of those who took part were peaceful and acted fully in accordance with the law. We are grateful for their cooperation.”
The force had imposed section 60, 60AA and section 35 orders giving the police additional powers, but these have been withdrawn and the Met Office says the orders are “no longer necessary”. Stated.
The section 60 order gave police additional search powers, and section 60AA required anyone wearing a face covering “for the purpose of concealing their identity” to remove it if asked.
The section 35 dispersal order meant that anyone who refused directions to leave a designated area could be subject to disciplinary action. arrested.
Police also stopped a “convoy of pro-Palestinian vehicles” in Nearsden, north-west London, to monitor them for “causing fear”.
At least 20,000 people have died in the Gaza Strip since Israel launched a military operation there in October in response to an Oct. 7 attack in which militants killed about 1,200 people and took another 250 hostages. 8,663 Palestinians were killed.
Israel has been asked not to send ground troops to Rafah, on the Egyptian border. Many residents of Rafah are now living there after areas close to their homeland were engulfed in fighting.