Police have arrested almost 500 people in London at what organisers hoped would be the biggest demonstration so far against a ban on the proscribed organisation Palestine Action.
Officers began arresting demonstrators at the silent vigil in support of the group, which has been classed by the UK government as a terror organisation since July this year.
The first arrest took place shortly after 1pm as the seated protesters took out pens and wrote signs showing support for Palestine Action. Dozens of police were lined up to begin arresting members of the group, who were sitting silently on the pavement in the square.
Technically yes their is. All the arrests I’ve seen openly state they support PA. That is the only crime. (A fucking unacceptable crime I’ll agree.).
But it is not the only way to protest.
“I oppose genercide and governments proscribing any organisation for criminal damage”
“Criminal Damage is not terrorism”
Are just 2 out of many ,any ways to word the objection without stating you support the banned organisation.
Of course being arrested has its own value in a protest. But the statement their is no other choice is false.
Yeah, I guess you could protest the general concept without mentioning Palestine Action, but as soon as it’s about Palestine Action, it would become illegal.
Yeah. I’m in no way supporting the law.
And large numbers of arrests are in itself an effective protest. As it costs the government to do it.
But it is also important to make clear to those that are unable to be imprisoned. IE due to family obligations or other limitations.
That other options are very available. And dispite their obligations. Their protest involvement is very welcome.