London, Aug 10 (V7N) – The Metropolitan Police arrested 474 protesters at Parliament Square on Saturday, August 9, in what is the largest mass arrest in Britain since the Palestine Action group was banned under the 2000 Counter-Terrorism Act last month.

The demonstrators were charged with violating counter-terrorism laws, assaulting police officers, and disrupting public order during the protest. At around 1 pm local time, hundreds gathered with handmade placards stating, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” as Big Ben chimed.

Police swiftly approached protesters, verifying identities. Those whose identities were confirmed were released on bail with conditions barring them from attending further Palestine Action rallies. Protesters who refused to provide identification or whose identities could not be verified were detained.

Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organization by the British government in July, following the Israeli offensive in Gaza which resulted in the deaths of over 38,000 Palestinians.

The banned group has been actively campaigning for British companies involved in manufacturing Israeli weapons to cease operations. The ban comes amid ongoing trials of the first three people arrested under this designation in England and Wales.

Some of the recent arrestees may face court charges, fueling discussions across Britain about the boundaries of freedom of speech and the right to protest.

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