Protesters hold placards at a "Lift The Ban" demonstration in support of the proscribed group Palestine Action, calling for the recently imposed ban to be lifted, in Parliament Square, central London, on August 9, 2025.

Human rights organisations have criticised the police after almost 500 people were arrested during Saturday’s Palestine Action protest.

Thousands of officers were waiting in Westminster to arrest anyone who showed support for the pro-Gaza group which has been proscribed as a terrorist organisation since July 5.

Protesters silently held up a sign which read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action”.

Although the protest was largely peaceful, showing support for a proscribed group is an offence carrying a punishment of up to 14 years in prison.

The Metropolitan Police said 466 people were detained under the Terrorism Act for showing support for Palestine Action on Saturday.

A further eight people were arrested for other offences, including assaulting officers.

According to the Met, it was the most arrests the force has made related to a single operation in at least the last decade.

Someone was also........

© HuffPost