Haverfordwest holds parallel rally on Gaza child starvation
WELSH protesters were among the 600–700 people who staged a silent protest in Parliament Square, London, on Saturday (Aug 9) as part of the “Lift The Ban” campaign, calling for the UK Government to remove its proscription of the direct action group Palestine Action under terrorism legislation.
Participants sat between 1:00pm and 2:00pm holding cardboard signs reading “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Organisers said the action was intended to challenge the ban, which they argue criminalises peaceful protest against Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
The Metropolitan Police, who had warned in advance that sign-holders risked arrest under section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, made over 400 arrests during the event. Officers from across the UK, including from Wales, were deployed to assist. Police had expected the turnout to be in the low hundreds, but numbers far exceeded that.
Haverfordwest protest draws local support
In Pembrokeshire, around 25 people gathered at 1:00pm at The Old Bridge in Haverfordwest in a demonstration organised by Solidarity with Palestine Pembrokeshire. Participants brought pots and pans to “make some noise” in what organisers described as a protest against the “deliberate starving of children” in Gaza.
Promotional material for the event featured an image of two-year-old Yazan Abu Foul, from Al-Shati Refugee Camp, to highlight the humanitarian crisis. Speakers at the rally repeated calls for an end to the blockade and for world leaders to intervene, describing the situation as “genocide.”
High-profile support in London
Those detained in the capital included former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg, NHS workers, Quakers, and a blind wheelchair user. Public figures present included musician Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack, human rights activist Bianca Jagger, environmentalist Jonathon Porritt, and poet Alice Oswald.
Organisers from Defend Our Juries said more mass protests were planned for September. They argue that the ban on Palestine Action breaches international human rights law, pointing to statements from Amnesty International and the UN’s human rights chief.
Government and police response
The Home Office has defended the proscription of Palestine Action, stating that the group’s tactics – which include damaging property at arms factories – meet the criteria for terrorism under UK law. A spokesperson said: “This Government will not tolerate criminal activity disguised as protest. We will continue to protect the public and uphold the law.”
The Metropolitan Police said: “We respect the right to protest, but people must do so within the law. Holding signs in support of a proscribed organisation is a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act, and our officers will take action where necessary.”
Ongoing legal challenge
The ban is due to face a High Court challenge in November, after Palestine Action co-founder Huda Ammori was granted permission for a full judicial review. If the court rules in the group’s favour, campaigners say those arrested could be entitled to compensation.
Since the ban was introduced earlier this year, more than 200 people across the UK have been arrested for sign-holding protests, with some police forces in other areas opting not to make arrests.
