Protesters Arrested Amid Supreme Court Challenge to Palestine Action Ban
Legal battle over protest restrictions continues as co-founder Huda Ammori challenges ban; over 4,000 arrests linked to movement.
Callum Smith
Twenty-seven protesters were arrested outside the Supreme Court today.
The arrests occurred during the legal challenge hearing itself, directly concerning the ban on Palestine Action protests. Huda Ammori, a co-founder of Palestine Action, directly challenges the ban before the UK Supreme Court.
Metropolitan Police confirmed 25 individuals were arrested during the demonstration. Home Office figures indicate over 4,000 arrests have been made at protests supportive of Palestine Action.
Palestine Action members have occupied or vandalized firms linked to Israel's military. Prosecutors have authorized 1,200 charges to date, with trials pending the outcome of this Supreme Court case.
Criminal courts have heard descriptions of at least two break-ins at defense firms, which caused millions in damage. One Palestine Action member was convicted and jailed for fracturing a police officer's back with a sledgehammer.
The High Court previously found the ban unlawful. However, the Court of Appeal overturned this decision, finding the ban lawful. The Home Office opposes the current appeal.
Free speech campaigners have submitted arguments to the Supreme Court. Lords Reed, Sales, Lloyd-Jones, Briggs, and Stephens preside over the two-day hearing.
A finding of a 'terrorist connection' was made in the case of a raid on an Elbit Systems factory. Sarah Helm stated, "God help us authors who support Palestine and Palestine Action."
The court case is due to conclude, with judgment expected at a later date.