Norwich Police have announced 13 new arrests in the city this Saturday for displaying posters in support of the banned pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action, which is classified as a terrorist organization. These latest arrests bring the total number of people detained to over 700 since the group was outlawed on July 5, including more than 530 individuals arrested during last week’s large-scale protest in London, one of the largest demonstrations linked to the group since its ban.
“All of those arrested are suspected of displaying an item in support of a proscribed organization, in violation of Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000,” the police said in an official statement, emphasizing the seriousness of the offenses.
Five of the detainees have been taken to the Wymondham Police Investigation Centre, where they were questioned by authorities, while the other eight were released after providing their personal details for a follow-up investigation. “We will always work to facilitate peaceful protest and protect the democratic right to assemble; however, the actions of this group were clearly illegal,” stated officer Wes Hornigold, underlining the balance between civil liberties and law enforcement.
Following the ban of Palestine Action under the Terrorism Act 2000, supporting or belonging to the organization is considered a criminal offense, with maximum sentences of up to 14 years in prison. The law aims to prevent terrorist activities and threats to public safety, and authorities have made clear that any involvement with the group will be prosecuted.
The Keir Starmer government pushed for the group’s ban after a raid on an airbase, during which several activists carried out graffiti attacks on military aircraft. The authorities estimated the total damage at £7 million (€8.1 million), highlighting the serious financial and security impact of the group’s actions.
