Police deny 'excessive force' at protest against Palestine Action ban

The Met Police have denied using “excessive force” on protesters expressing support for the banned group Palestine Action.

At least 532 people were arrested during the central London demonstration in support of the proscribed group.

Hundreds attended the demonstration in Parliament Square on Saturday, organisers Defend Our Juries said.

The demonstrators held placards reading: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

The Met spent several hours detaining hundreds of protestors, with videos online showing an elderly woman and a blind man in a wheelchair being led away by the force.

Following the protest, social media users took to Twitter, accusing the Met of using “brutal force” on some in attendance.

In a statement to LBC, the Met denied using “excessive force”, saying its officers worked “tirelessly” and showed “carefully measured judgment” throughout the day.

A spokesperson said: “Our officers worked tirelessly for more than six hours, demonstrating professionalism and carefully measured judgment throughout the day.

“When responding to individuals involved in criminal activity, officers approached each situation in a fair and proportionate manner. In instances where sensitivity was required – such as when arresting the elderly or the disabled – officers showed appropriate care and consideration, adapting their approach as needed.

“We want to make it clear that our officers used only the minimum level of force necessary to carry out their duties. Any suggestion that excessive force was used is simply not accurate and does not reflect the reality of what took place.

“It is important to note that there were five arrests for assaults on officers during yesterday’s events. Despite these challenges, our officers remained committed to their duty and continued to act with restraint and professionalism.”

In response to the protest, the Home Secretary defended her ban on Palestine Action.

She said: "Many people may not yet know the reality of this organisation, but the assessments are very clear-this is not a non-violent organisation."

“Tens of thousands of people marched in London today to protest in support of Palestinian rights, working with the police to carry out their demonstration largely without incident. This will have been replicated in many other parts of the country too. We thank the police for their work in dealing with the very small number of people whose actions crossed the line into criminality.

“The right to protest is one we protect fiercely but this is very different from displaying support for this one specific and narrow, proscribed organisation.

"Palestine Action was proscribed based on strong security advice following serious attacks the group has committed, involving violence, significant injuries and extensive criminal damage.

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