UK cops arrest Palestine Action supporters ahead of Supreme Court hearing

British police arrested 139 supporters of Palestine Action during a protest in London on Saturday, days before a Supreme Court hearing over the group's ban. The Metropolitan Police began detaining people after hundreds gathered outside the US Embassy. Over 4,000 people have been arrested for allegedly supporting the organization, which was outlawed under anti-terror laws in July 2025.

Many arrested individuals, including older citizens and Holocaust survivors, held signs reading "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action." Protest organizers expressed disbelief at the arrest of over 4,000 people for peaceful demonstrations. The ban classifies Palestine Action on a blacklist with Hamas and Hezbollah, making membership or support a criminal offense with a possible 14-year prison sentence.

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear the case on Wednesday, following a June Court of Appeal ruling in favor of the government. Protesters chanted slogans against the ban, with some expressing doubts about the judicial system. Notable figures, such as author Sally Rooney, have distanced themselves from the group due to the ban.