Metropolitan Police Warn of Serious Consequences for Attending Palestine Action Protest

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The Metropolitan Police have issued a warning that individuals attending this weekend’s Palestine Action protest in London could face long-term consequences, including restrictions on travel to the United States and employment in education. The warning comes after the activist group was proscribed as a terrorist organisation last month.

The caution follows the arrest of three Palestine Action supporters, two women and one man, at a demonstration on 5 July. The trio, who were later charged, are due to appear in court next month. The charges relate to the group’s alleged involvement in an attack on aircraft at Royal Air Force (RAF) Brize Norton.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan emphasised the potential impact of such arrests, telling The Daily Telegraph: “I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long-term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.” Legal experts note that being arrested for a terrorism offence, even without a conviction, can result in significant barriers to international travel and certain forms of employment.

Many activists are expected to gather in Parliament Square on Saturday, carrying signs reading: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” The planned protest has raised concerns of a large-scale police operation, with both the Metropolitan Police and Downing Street confirming that anyone supporting the proscribed group will face arrest.

Tim Crosland, co-founder of Defend Our Juries, one of the organisers of the event – defended the demonstration, describing those taking part as “the moral backbone of this country” and criticising the arrests of peaceful protesters as a misuse of police resources.

Prison authorities have reportedly activated contingency plans to accommodate a potential influx of detainees, amid warnings that some facilities are nearing capacity. The protest, set against heightened tensions following the group’s proscription, is expected to draw considerable police presence and close public scrutiny.