More than 70 people arrested at pro-Palestinian protest in London

(CLO) Thousands of people gathered in central London on Saturday (January 18) to join a pro-Palestinian protest, just before the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect.

More than 70 people were arrested, mainly for violating permitted protest zones near government buildings, according to the Metropolitan Police.

Illustration: AI

The ceasefire, which is expected to begin Sunday morning, includes the return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israel, a withdrawal of troops from populated areas in Gaza, and increased humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.

“We really want to be optimistic about this deal, so we need to be on the streets to make sure the ceasefire holds,” said Sophie Mason, 50, a regular at pro-Palestinian protests in London.

However, the protests escalated as some protesters left the Whitehall area – where the event had originally taken place – and headed towards Trafalgar Square, leading to the largest number of arrests since the protests began in October 2023.

The Metropolitan Police said it was responding to a “significant escalation in criminal activity”. “This is the highest number of arrests we have ever recorded,” Commander Adam Slonecki said. “We will continue to investigate and prosecute offenders.”

Of the 70 people arrested, 65 were suspected of violating protest conditions, while the rest were charged with crimes such as assault, supporting a banned organization and obstructing police.

The Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (PSC) – the protest organiser – has called the police controls “draconian”.

At the rally, participants held banners reading “Stop arming Israel” and “Gaza, stop the massacre.” They chanted slogans like “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.”

Near the protest site, a group of about 100 pro-Israel protesters gathered, carrying Israeli flags in protest.

Cao Phong (according to CNA, CNN, GI)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/hon-70-nguoi-bi-bat-tai-cuoc-bieu-tinh-ung-ho-palestine-o-london-post331057.html