PROTESTERS across Britain are preparing to call on the government to reverse its decision to ban Palestine Action on Saturday.

Defend Our Juries are co-ordinating three actions: at 1pm by the Gandhi statue in Parliament Square in London; at 2pm outside BBC Cymru Wales New Broadcasting House in Cardiff; and at 2.30pm by the Emmeline Pankhurst statue in St Peter’s Square, Manchester.

Protesters are due to hold signs reading: “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

The action follows the arrest of 29 people under the Terrorism Act for holding the same signs on July 5, the day the government’s proscription came into force.

“This is what happens in modern-day Britain if you’re opposing genocide,” said Tim Crosland, a former government lawyer, as he was led away by police last Saturday.

The demonstrators were detained for around 12 hours before being released without charge on police bail, Defend Our Juries said.

Two people were also arrested under the Terrorism Act after holding signs saying “We are all Palestine Action” at a Friends of Palestine event in Bradford.

Similar protests have also taken place outside British embassies in Copenhagen and The Hague.

An independently organised demonstration is also due to take place outside the Guildhall in Derry from 3pm Saturday.

The ban on Palestine Action, a group known for targeting arms factories connected to Israel, was imposed after its members broke into an RAF base last month.

On June 20, activists entered RAF Brize Norton and sprayed red paint onto two refuelling planes to protest Britain’s support towards Israel in Gaza.

The group’s ban is subject to a legal challenge, with the High Court set to consider an application for judicial review on July 21.

The Met Police warned that proscription makes it a criminal offence to invite or express support through chanting, wearing clothing or displaying articles such as flags, signs or logos.

Showing support for a banned organisation can result in a prison sentence of up to 14 years.

A Defend Our Juries spokesperson said: “Are these people holding up signs serious criminals committing terror crimes, who should be locked up for 14 years? 

“Or are they ordinary, decent people, exercising their democratic rights and taking a stand against corruption, injustice and genocide? Make up your own mind.”