People take part in a protest in Parliament Square, London, to call for de-proscription of Palestine Action after a ban against the organisation was announced after two Voyager aircraft were damaged at RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on June 20, July 12,
POLICE have shown “massive variation” in how they respond to demonstrations against the ban on Palestine Action, protesters warned today.
More than 70 people were arrested on Saturday during demonstrations where protesters held signs that read, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”
A demonstration in Derry and a one-man protest in Kendal proceeded without interference, while in Cardiff, which saw 13 arrests, participants were locked up and had their homes raided, campaign group Defend Our Juries said.
South Wales Police (SWP) said that the individuals, who were arrested under Section 12 of the Terrorism Act, have been released on police bail, but that an investigation is ongoing.
They were detained for an initial 24-hour period in custody before a further maximum of 12 hours’ extension was granted on Sunday, SWP said.
Police made 41 arrests at a demonstration in London, and 16 in Manchester.
Defend Our Juries says arrests were made under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, which covers the display of symbols linked to a proscribed group.
This is distinct from the more serious Section 12, which involves expressing or encouraging support for such groups.
A Defend Our Juries statement said: “The Chief Constable of South Wales Police has got carried away with his new powers, treating peaceful protesters with cardboard signs like al-Qaida operatives.
“The massive variation in the police response to people holding exactly the same sign brings the law into disrepute.
“Express your opinion in Kendall or Derry and the police will leave you be.
“Do the same thing in Cardiff, the police will react as if your cardboard sign is a grave danger to the public, keeping you locked up while they break down your doors and raid your homes.”
West Yorkshire Police said a man was arrested on suspicion of demonstrating support for Palestine Action in Leeds on Saturday.
The Met Police arrested 29 people at a similar protest on July 5, the day the proscription came into force.
Since being designated a terror group, membership or support for Palestine Action is punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
The Home Office was contacted for comment.
