• Protests against the ban on Palestine Action lead to over 100 arrests across the UK.
• The group was designated a terrorist organization earlier this month, leading to significant demonstrations.
• Authorities warn that showing support for the group can result in severe legal repercussions.
• Protests occurred in multiple cities, including London, Manchester, and Edinburgh.
• Human rights groups criticize the ban as an infringement on free speech.

Protests across the UK have escalated following the recent ban of the Palestine Action group, resulting in over 100 arrests in connection with demonstrations that took place over the weekend. The Metropolitan Police stated that 55 arrests were made in central London alone for supporters displaying placards in favor of the group, which was deregistered as a terrorist organization under the Terrorism Act earlier this month. Demonstrators rallied in various cities like Manchester, Edinburgh, and Bristol, holding signs reading "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action," despite the police warnings about potential arrests for supporting a proscribed organization, according to aljazeera, reuters, and middleeasteye.

The escalation comes in light of the UK government's recent decision to classify Palestine Action as a terrorist organization after incidents involving members breaking into military bases and damaging aircraft. This classification now makes it a criminal offense to either support or join the group, punishable by a prison term of up to 14 years. London’s Metropolitan Police reported that the arrests were made swiftly, with police attending the protests in significant numbers, including around 20 police vans at the Parliament protest, as noted by bbc and aa.

The protests have ignited a debate over free speech, with human rights organizations arguing that the ban suppresses peaceful dissent in the UK. Sacha Deshmukh, CEO of Amnesty International UK, labeled the law an "egregious abuse" of terrorism legislation designed to control legitimate protest. Critics assert that the government's actions blur the lines separating legitimate protest from terrorism, further complicating the matter, according to middleeasteye, trtglobal, and aa.