UK Government Cracks Down on Protesters: Hundreds Arrested Under Terrorism Act

Breaking News: Hundreds Arrested as UK Government Labels Protest as Terrorism At least 800 peaceful protesters were arrested on September 8 in London's Parliament Square under the UK's Terrorism Act, sparking widespread criticism and debate. The arrests came after Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour Party administration banned Palestine Action (PA), a group that engages in property destruction to protest Israeli apartheid. Timeline of Events 2020: Palestine Action is founded with the goal of disrupting arms contractor Elbit Systems' operations. 2022: Elbit loses out on defense contracts worth £340 million due to PA's actions. September 8, 2023: Protesters gather in Parliament Square, holding signs opposing genocide and supporting Palestine Action. Immediate Impact The arrests have sparked outrage among human rights groups and opposition parties, who argue that the government is using anti-terrorism laws to silence peaceful protesters. "This is a clear attempt to suppress dissent and stifle free speech," said a spokesperson for the Green Party. Background Context Palestine Action has been accused of sabotaging Elbit's factories, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage. However, the group claims its actions are necessary to highlight the UK's complicity in Israel's human rights abuses. What Happens Next As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear what will happen to those arrested and charged under the Terrorism Act. The government has faced criticism for its handling of the protests, with many calling for a more nuanced approach to dealing with dissent. *This story is developing. Information compiled from Motherjones reporting.*