London: At least 425 protesters have been arrested at a London demonstration in support of the banned activist group, Palestine Action, police said Saturday. The arrests are related to the protest organized by Defend Our Juries in support of the “proscribed terrorist organisation Palestine Action,” the Metropolitan Police stated.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, officers reported being “punched, kicked, spat on and had objects thrown at them” during the protest. More than 25 individuals were arrested for assaults on police and other public order offences. The demonstration required the deployment of over 2,500 officers across London to manage this and other protests.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Claire Smart commented on the tactics used by supporters of Palestine Action, noting the significant resources required to manage the situation, which in turn affected the police presence in local neighborhoods. Protesters gathered in Parliament Square, carrying Palestinian flags and chanting slogans like “Over 100,000 dead and you are arresting us instead” and “Resisting genocide is not a crime.”

Banners displayed messages such as “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action” and “It’s not a crime to act against genocide.” An estimated 1,500 demonstrators participated in the rally. The Defend Our Juries group mentioned on the US social media platform X that one of those arrested was Mike Higgins, a blind activist in a wheelchair.

In a similar protest last month, police detained more than 500 people. Palestine Action was banned in July under the UK’s Terrorism Act, leading to the arrests of hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters for supporting the group.