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London police arrested 117 people at a rally outside Westminster Magistrates' Court on Thursday in support of Palestine Action, a pro-Palestinian movement proscribed as a terrorist organisation in the UK. The demonstration, which drew hundreds of attendees, was the first of its kind since Andy Burnham became prime minister earlier this month, according to Al Jazeera.

Coverage Comparison

The arrests were reported by Al Jazeera and Russia's TASS news agency, which provided consistent accounts of the protest and its aftermath. Al Jazeera focused on the political context, describing the rally as a show of support for Palestine Action amid ongoing legal proceedings against thousands of people charged with expressing support for the group. TASS, citing the Metropolitan Police, reported the exact number of arrests as 117 and noted that hundreds of people had gathered to call for charges against previously detained supporters to be dropped.

Both outlets noted that the protest took place outside Westminster Magistrates' Court, where hearings were beginning against individuals charged under anti-terrorism laws. Al Jazeera reported that the rally was organised by the Defend Our Juries activist group to picket the start of hearings against the first of thousands of people charged with voicing support for Palestine Action. TASS described the protest as a response to the government's decision to ban the organisation.

Key Claims

  • Arrest figures: The Metropolitan Police confirmed that 117 people were arrested at the rally, as reported by TASS. Al Jazeera said police made "dozens of arrests" but did not provide a specific number.
  • Protest organisation: The demonstration was organised by Defend Our Juries, a group that says it is seeking to safeguard the legal process in the UK, according to Al Jazeera.
  • Legal proceedings: The protest targeted hearings against individuals charged with voicing support for Palestine Action. Al Jazeera reported that thousands of people have been charged, while TASS said over 700 people have been charged since the ban.
  • Ban on Palestine Action: Palestine Action was added to the UK's list of banned organisations on July 5, 2025, at the suggestion of then-Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, according to TASS. Membership, participation in meetings, and any form of support for the group are criminal offenses punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
  • Political context: Andy Burnham became prime minister earlier this month, and this was the first pro-Palestine Action protest since he took office, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Criticism of the government: Critics accuse the government of undermining civil liberties in an attempt to shield Israel from the consequences of the war it launched in Gaza, Al Jazeera reported.