British police have arrested 66 people outside the Labour Party conference in Liverpool for allegedly showing support for Palestine Action, a group proscribed as a terrorist organisation.
Merseyside Police confirmed that the arrests took place on Sunday afternoon during a demonstration near the conference venue. About 100 people had gathered in silence, holding placards that read: “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.”
According to police, some demonstrators displayed material endorsing Palestine Action, which was banned in July after claiming responsibility for damaging two military planes at RAF Brize Norton.
Those arrested, aged between 21 and 83, were detained on suspicion of terrorism offences. While two have since been released without charge, the remaining 64 were released on bail pending further investigation.
The arrests have sparked criticism from campaigners. A spokesman for Defend Our Juries, one of the protest groups, said:
“Instead of shutting down protest, it’s time the Labour Party took responsibility to prevent genocide seriously. It should impose blanket sanctions on Israel, including halting arms supplies from UK factories.”
Several protesters also voiced frustration at the Labour Party’s stance.
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Keith Hackett, 71, a former Liverpool Labour councillor, said: “I’m risking arrest under terrorism laws because I’m deeply ashamed of how Labour is acting. Direct action has always been central to progress in the labour movement.”
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Tayo Aluko, 63, a Liverpool-based actor and writer, said: “This government wants to plant fear in citizens so it can continue to let its friends and paymasters get away with genocide.”
Israel has strongly denied allegations of genocide in its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
Human rights groups also condemned the police response. Kerry Moscogiuri, Amnesty International UK’s Director of Communications and Campaigns, described the arrests as disproportionate.
“It’s both ridiculous and seriously heavy-handed for police to target people who were simply sitting quietly and holding a sign,” she said.
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