By Karim Hammam
More than 100 demonstrators gathered outside the US embassy in Battersea, south London, on Sunday to oppose the proscription of the group Palestine Action. Police began making arrests, with the Metropolitan Police warning participants they faced detention as part of a robust operation.
Police commander warns of offences
Commander Adam Slonecki, leading the policing operation, stated that attendees knew supporting a proscribed organisation was unlawful and that they were essentially meeting to purposefully commit a crime. He added that anyone playing a key role in organising the event or providing logistical support would likely face enforcement action.
Second demonstration planned in Edinburgh
A separate protest was scheduled for the US consulate near Holyrood in Edinburgh. The group Defend Our Juries, which organised the demonstrations, accused the Metropolitan Police of being terrified of facilitating US embarrassment.
