EIGHT people were arrested in Cardiff city centre on Saturday as part of a coordinated wave of sign-holding demonstrations challenging the UK Government’s decision to proscribe the direct-action group Palestine Action. The Cardiff protest, held outside Tŷ William Morgan House in Central Square at 1:00pm, formed part of a wider day of action across more than 20 towns and cities.

Participants sat silently holding cardboard signs stating: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Police made arrests under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which prohibits expressions of support for proscribed organisations. Palestine Action was added to the proscribed list earlier this year, a decision now being reviewed in the courts.

Cardiff was among several locations where arrests were made, but police responses differed markedly across the UK. In Edinburgh, where around 55 people took part, and in Exeter, where 35 people sat outside Central Station, local forces made no arrests. By contrast, arrests were reported in Manchester, Bristol, Birmingham, Norwich, Cambridge, Sheffield and Lancaster. In Wales, two people were also arrested near BAE Systems’ Glascoed site in Newport, while two protesters took part in Presteigne without incident.

Saturday’s actions bring the number of arrests linked to the Lift The Ban campaign to 636 over 12 days, and 2,717 since the ban was introduced. Campaigners argue the variation in enforcement indicates that the ban is difficult to apply consistently. Police forces have not commented in detail but say decisions are made on a case-by-case basis.

Judicial Review continues

The demonstrations coincide with the ongoing Judicial Review into the Government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action. The review is due to conclude on Tuesday, 2 December, with judgment expected at a later date.

The legal challenge — brought by Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action — argues that the group is the first non-violent direct-action organisation to be proscribed under terrorism legislation. Submissions from Liberty, Amnesty International and UN Special Rapporteur Ben Saul express concern about the implications for free expression and the wider protest landscape.

Government lawyers maintain that the decision was lawful and proportionate under the Terrorism Act.

Hunger strike update

Campaigners say six prisoners on remand for alleged actions linked to Palestine Action are currently on rolling hunger strike. Two individuals — Teuta Hoxha and Kamran Ahmed — have recently been taken to hospital after their health deteriorated.
Most of those on remand have not been charged under the Terrorism Act itself, but prosecutors have applied terrorism-related aggravation to some criminal damage cases. The CPS says all decisions follow established legal tests.

Scottish cases and fines rejected

In Scotland, six people previously charged for sign-holding under section 13 have publicly rejected a £100 fiscal fine offered as an alternative to trial. Police Scotland have made no arrests at any of the Edinburgh sign-holding events, though 19 people have been charged following subsequent investigations.

Statements from participants

Several participants in Saturday’s actions, including retirees, academics and campaign supporters, told The Herald they were concerned about the use of counter-terrorism legislation in the context of peaceful protest.
A 65-year-old former teacher trainer from Cambridge said she took part because of long-standing links with educational projects in Gaza.
A 31-year-old Norwich bartender said she was worried that ordinary protest could be “misinterpreted” as support for terrorism under the law.
Their accounts reflect the variety of personal motivations expressed during the campaign.

Background to the ban

The Home Secretary proscribed Palestine Action earlier this year following incidents of break-ins and criminal damage at defence-industry sites. Ministers said the organisation’s tactics met the threshold for proscription, though critics argue that existing criminal law was sufficient.

Under section 13 of the Terrorism Act, displaying support for a proscribed organisation — including through clothing, signs or public statements — is an offence carrying a maximum six-month prison sentence.

What happens next

A ruling in the Judicial Review will determine whether the proscription stands or whether ministers must revisit the decision.
Meanwhile, those involved in the Lift The Ban campaign say coordinated sign-holding is likely to continue. Police forces have not yet indicated whether their approach to enforcement will change following Saturday’s events.