139 Arrested at Palestine Action Protest by US Embassy
London police had arrested 139 people by Saturday after a demonstration outside the US embassy in support of Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police had said in advance that anyone who came to back the group would be arrested.
Arrests during the protest
The first reports spoke of more than 100 arrests, with hundreds more people warned that they faced the same fate. The force later posted on X that 139 people had been arrested and that officers were still making arrests on the scene.
Footage showed hundreds of protesters holding Palestinian flags and banners. Police carried away the first demonstrators to be detained.
Where and when
The protest began at 1pm on Nine Elms Lane in Wandsworth. Reports suggested that around 400 people were expected. The group Defend Our Juries said protesters would hold signs reading "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action".
A Section 35 dispersal order also covered parts of central London from 8am to 11pm. Under such an order, police can tell a person to leave the area or face arrest, where certain conditions apply.
Why showing support is a crime
Palestine Action was proscribed under the Terrorism Act in June 2025. The Metropolitan Police says that expressing support for the group is therefore an offence. It added that the Court of Appeal upheld the ban in June 2026.
Commander Adam Slonecki, who led the policing operation, said those attending were "essentially meeting to purposefully commit a crime". He warned that the net was wider than people holding placards. Anyone seen as playing a key role in organising the event, giving instructions or providing logistical support would very likely face enforcement action too.
He said the operation was not about stopping people from expressing their views. In his words, it was about acting firmly where criminality is involved. He also said such events draw significant police resources away from the neighbourhoods that need them most.
Our View
The police stance sets up a repeat test. If supporters keep gathering despite the warnings, large numbers of arrests may follow each time. What happens to those detained, and whether any are charged, is not stated in the report. It may be worth watching how the courts treat the cases that follow.
Source: The Independent