Mass Arrests Spark Free Speech Concerns in UK Protest Crackdown

Mass Arrests Spark Free Speech Concerns in UK Protest Crackdown

Police in Britain have arrested 66 demonstrators outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool over alleged support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organization in July.

The arrests came during a silent protest organized by Defend Our Juries, where participants carried placards stating: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.” Authorities said such displays amounted to supporting a banned group under the UK’s Terrorism Act, which carries penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

According to police, two of those detained were later released, while 64 were bailed pending further investigation. Rights advocates, however, have warned that the use of anti-terror legislation to police political demonstrations risks stifling free expression and peaceful dissent.

The detentions mark one of the largest single crackdowns on pro-Palestinian demonstrators since Palestine Action was banned earlier this year.