More than 500 people arrested at Palestine Action protest in London

Arrests and detentions took place at first mass demo since group’s ban was ruled unlawful by high court More than 500 people have been arrested at the first mass demonstration opposing the proscription of Palestine Action since the group’s ban was ruled unlawful by the high court. Hundreds of people gathered in Trafalgar Square in London and presented signs reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Hundreds of demonstrators sat on camping chairs and on the ground as they held up their placards on Saturday afternoon. The Metropolitan police said 523 people had been arrested by midnight, with their ages ranging from 18 to 87. Some of those sitting down holding signs were dressed as the suffragettes and others wore masks bearing the face of Keir Starmer. Mike Higgins, a blind disabled man whose filmed arrests at previous demonstrations have caused outrage, also took part in the action. At the top of the square, near the National Gallery, large banners were displayed reading: “Jurors deserve to hear the whole truth” and “Israel starves kids”. Shortly after 1pm, officers began arresting people on the edges of the demonstration. Several individuals were seen being carried