UK police have arrested dozens during escalating protests against the controversial ban on Palestine Action, a group now deemed a terrorist organization under the UK’s Terrorism Act. This crackdown comes just weeks after Parliament approved the prescription, igniting a wave of outrage and defiance across the nation.

On Saturday, demonstrators gathered in Parliament Square, rallying under the banner of “Defend Our Juries.” They condemned the ban as a blatant attack on free speech, likening the government’s actions to Orwellian oppression. “This is what democracy looks like,” shouted protesters, as police moved in to disperse the crowd. The situation turned tense when officers arrested 41 individuals, including elderly activists, for merely holding signs in solidarity with Palestine.

Since the law’s enactment, expressing support for Palestine Action has become a criminal offense, punishable by up to 14 years in prison. Protesters expressed their fears that the ban silences dissent at a time when the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with thousands reportedly killed amid ongoing violence. “We cannot be complicit where our government is facilitating genocide,” one demonstrator declared, emphasizing the urgency of their cause.

The protests mark the second consecutive weekend of civil unrest against the ban, reflecting a growing determination among activists to resist what they see as an unjust suppression of their rights. As tensions rise and the death toll in Gaza continues to soar, the UK stands on the brink of a significant clash over free expression and state power.

With public sentiment intensifying, the future of Palestine Action’s supporters hangs in the balance as police continue to enforce the controversial legislation. The fight for free speech and justice is far from over, and the world watches as events unfold.