LONDON – More than 425 people were arrested in London on Saturday during violent clashes at a rally demanding that the UK government lift its ban on the activist group Palestine Action.

The protest, organised by the campaign group “Defend Our Juries”, drew about 1,500 demonstrators outside the UK Parliament. Videos shared on X showed police tackling protesters to the ground and detaining others holding signs reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

The Metropolitan Police confirmed the arrests, citing offences ranging from assaulting officers to showing support for a banned organisation. The UK government outlawed Palestine Action in July under the Terrorism Act 2000, making membership or public backing of the group punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

The crackdown has sparked growing criticism. Amnesty International UK condemned the arrests, arguing that peaceful protest should not be criminalised under terrorism laws.

This marks the latest in a series of mass arrests. Earlier demonstrations saw more than 700 detained, including 532 on August 9 in what was described as London’s largest mass arrest since the 1960s. So far, 138 protesters have been formally charged under the Terrorism Act.

Palestine Action has secured a High Court ruling to challenge the ban, with the government seeking to overturn it. A key hearing in the case is scheduled for September 25.