The London Metropolitan Police has confirmed that 64 people have been formally notified of charges, and are due to appear in court in October for showing support for the recently proscribed direct action group Palestine Action.
A total of 64 people have been charged in relation to protests in central London on July 5 and July 12, and face a maximum sentence of six months in prison.
Met Police Commander Dominic Murphy said in a statement: “The notion that by coming out and showing support towards a proscribed terrorist group will overwhelm us is completely misguided.
“The reality for those who have carried out this action is that they are now facing serious charges under the Terrorism Act. If convicted of such an offence, it can have a severe impact on your life or career, potentially restricting your ability to travel overseas or work in certain professions.
“My message to anyone thinking about carrying out similar action in the coming weeks is to reconsider. Thousands continue to attend protests where they freely express their views in support of Palestine, without breaking counter terrorism laws. But where we do see offences, people will very likely be arrested and will certainly be swiftly investigated, working closely with the CPS to bring about prosecutions.”
The force said more than 700 people have been arrested for showing support for the group since it was proscribed on July 5.
So far, a total of 67 people have been charged with supporting Palestine Action, after two women and a man were charged at the start of August in relation to the July 5 protest.
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It is believed that more protests are expected, the last major demonstration in Parliament Square was the largest so far with over 500 people arrested in one afternoon.
Escalating protests
Palestine Action was outlawed after a group of direct actionists claimed responsibility for damage to military aircraft at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire. The Met Police has since claimed that “allegations of a serious assault on staff and police officers at a business premises in South Gloucestershire” also occurred during the protest.
Membership of, or support for, the group is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison under the Terrorism Act 2000.
Wearing a t-shirt or badge with the group’s name on could attract a maximum six-month sentence although it has been reported that a serious breech of the terror laws in Britain could land you a 14-year jail sentence.
The police and government ministers have warned protesters against flouting the law and supporting the banned group but despite this protests have continued to grow.
On Monday, award winning Scottish screenwriter Paul Laverty was arrested in Edinburgh for allegedly expressing support for Palestine Action.
Laverty, whose films have twice won the Palme d’Or, was filmed being led away by officers while wearing a t-shirt with writing on the front which read: “Genocide in Palestine, time to take action.”
Renowned film director Ken Loach also joined a protest in which demonstrators wore the same T-shirts. He said that “the suppression of Palestine Action is a legal monstrosity and we have to oppose that ban.”
Elsewhere, Irish novelist Sally Rooney and musician Roger Waters are among other high profile celebrities who have condemned the proscription while activists continue to engage in silent protest in cities up and down the UK, applying further pressure on the authorities to reverse the terror listing.
5Pillars also witnessed prominent Muslim activist and former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg being arrested in London on August 9 while holding a sign saying: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
Speaking before his arrest, Moazzam explained why he was taking part in the protest.
“I’ve faced anti-terror legislation in this country many times. I’ve been persecuted by the state several times. It seems like the persecution of Palestine Action is just one step beyond and to target people who are trying to stop a genocide is completely deplorable. I am certain Britain will have to eventually repeal the proscription of Palestine Action.”
