Over 425 Arrested at London Protest Supporting Palestine Action

London police reported that more than 425 people were detained during a protest backing the outlawed group Palestine Action, which supports Hamas terrorists. Authorities said at least 25 of those arrested were taken into custody for assaulting officers.

“Throughout the demonstration, there was a coordinated effort to prevent officers from carrying out their duties, which escalated to violence where officers were punched, kicked, spat on and had objects thrown at them,” the Metropolitan Police said in a statement.

Defend Our Juries, the group behind the protest, rejected claims of violent behavior, insisting the aggression came from police.

Organizers estimated that around 1,500 people joined the demonstration, staging a sit-in while displaying signs that read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”

The British government recently designated Palestine Action as a terrorist organization, making expressions of support for the group illegal under British law.