• UK police arrested 532 protesters at a London rally supporting the banned Palestine Action group.
• The arrests are reportedly the highest in a single protest event in London’s history.
• Critics include international organizations claiming the ban violates free speech rights.

On August 9, London police arrested a total of 532 protesters during a demonstration supporting the banned group Palestine Action. The vast majority of arrests, 522, were made for displaying signs in support of the group, breaching anti-terror laws under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act of 2000, according to AA.

The protests, organized by the group Defend Our Juries, saw participants gathering in Parliament Square, with many carrying signs reading: "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action." Activists argue that the UK government's ban, enacted after activists protested at a Royal Air Force base, severely restricts their freedom of expression, reports AA and Al Jazeera.

The police made additional arrests, including for assaults on officers and public order offenses, but stated no serious injuries were reported. Police Chief Mark Rowley emphasized the law's intention behind the arrests, stating that they acted within the framework of anti-terrorism legislation after the group was classified as a terrorist organization in July, according to CBS News and BBC.

Many critics, including Amnesty International and UN representatives, have condemned the ban as a misuse of counter-terrorism laws that undermines basic freedoms. They argue that the government's approach is overly broad and a threat to civil rights, indicated by statements from Le Monde and NPR.

Supporters of Palestine Action, including its co-founder Huda Ammori, plan to contest the ban in court, asserting that the government's actions violate their rights. In context, police expect to continue processing those arrested, which may take several weeks before potential charges are filed, as reported by LA Times.