LONDON — Police detained 46 demonstrators Saturday for backing Palestine Action after Britain outlawed the group as a terrorist organization.
Protesters held placards in Parliament Square despite the fresh ban taking effect at midnight. Signs read “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Officers arrested an 83-year-old reverend, several healthcare workers, and a priest during the demonstration. All face terrorism charges under new legislation.
Britain classified Palestine Action alongside ISIS and al-Qaeda Friday night. Simply showing support now carries a 14-year prison sentence.
The crackdown follows a June incident where activists vandalized two RAF jets with red paint. Damage reached 7 million pounds at the Oxfordshire base.
Interior Minister Yvette Cooper pushed through the ban after the airport break-in. She called the group’s tactics unacceptable and dangerous.
Palestine Action tried blocking the decision in court but failed. The organization describes itself as peaceful and targets Israeli-linked companies.
Critics say Britain went too far by labeling property damage as terrorism. UN officials warned the move threatens free speech rights.
The group joins 81 other banned organizations in British law. Members now risk lengthy jail terms for any association or public backing.
