Summary
- Over a dozen arrested in Norwich city centre.
- Arrests linked to support for Palestine Action.
- Palestine Action was recently banned as a terrorist
group.
- The government proscribed the group amid protests.
- Police crackdown on public demonstrations continues.
The protest began at 12:30 BST, and according to Norfolk Police, 13 persons "holding placards showing support" for the group were taken into custody outside City Hall.
They were detained on suspicion of violating
Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000 by exhibiting an item in support of a
prohibited organization.
After providing police with their details, eight
people were released from custody, while five others were brought to the
Wymondham police station for interrogation.
A 14th person had a sign seized by officers.
The force said the protest was over by 14:00
BST.
Supt Wes Hornigold said:
"We will always work to facilitate peaceful protest and protect the democratic right to assembly. However, the actions of this group were unlawful.
Our officers' role is to prevent disorder, damage and disruption in the local community and they will use their powers to do this. Any breaches of the law will be dealt with."
The arrests occurred one day after the
Metropolitan Police announced that 60 more individuals will face charges for
their support of Palestine Action.
Since the group was outlawed on July 5, the
force said it has arrested over 700 people, including 522 last Saturday in
central London.
The Met stated that plans have been made
"that will enable us to investigate and prosecute significant numbers each
week if necessary" and that further prosecutions are anticipated in the
upcoming weeks.
Following criminal damage to jets at RAF Brize
Norton, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper banned Palestine Action.
Membership in or support of the group is
therefore illegal and carries a maximum 14-year prison sentence.
However, the numerous arrests that have occurred
since then have been characterized as "deeply concerning" by Sacha
Deshmukh, the chief executive of Amnesty International.
Palestine Action will be able to contest its
ban, the High Court decided last month.
Huda Ammori, the group's co-founder, is represented by attorneys who contend that the prohibition violates free speech rights and stifles lawful protest.
What are the legal implications of supporting proscribed groups in the UK?
Conviction can result in up to 14 years in
prison for membership or support offences and up to six months imprisonment
and/or a fine up to £5,000 for wearing or displaying related items.
These offences apply to British nationals and
residents even if the actions occur overseas.
Proscription enables law enforcement agencies to
arrest individuals associated with these groups, seize terrorist property, and
remove related online content.
Proscribed organisations may challenge their
designation through an appeal process, but the Home Secretary holds significant
discretion in proscription decisions.