London’s Metropolitan Police has arrested at least 150 protesters during a volatile rally in Parliament Square, where approximately 1,500 individuals gathered to challenge the UK government’s ban on the Palestine Action group.

The demonstration, organized by Defend Our Juries, saw clashes erupt as police moved in, with reports of violence and arrests linked to the display of signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

The rally turned confrontational, with the Press Association noting police drawing batons and one protester observed with blood on their face after an arrest.

Authorities reported facing “an exceptional level of abuse including punches, kicks, spitting and objects being thrown,” alongside verbal confrontations, as some protesters fell in a crush. The Met confirmed arrests for offenses including assaulting officers and expressing support for the proscribed organization, which became illegal under the Terrorism Act 2000 following the group’s July ban.

This ban stemmed from a June incident where Palestine Action members damaged two aircraft at a southern England airbase, incurring an estimated £7 million ($9.4 million) in losses.

The group, backed by figures like author Sally Rooney and musician Robert Del Naja, faces penalties of up to 14 years in prison for membership or support.

A High Court challenge to the proscription, initiated by co-founder Huda Ammori, is underway, with a hearing set for September 25, though the government seeks to uphold the ruling. 

The displacement of these individuals traces back to ongoing regional conflicts, particularly the Israel-Palestine situation, which has fueled global advocacy and protests, including this rally against perceived governmental complicity.