Police made significant arrests on Sunday. Consequently, this event marks a dramatic start to the Labour conference. The mass arrests at a protest involved sixty-six individuals. Furthermore, these demonstrators gathered near a conference venue in Liverpool. They were supporting the banned group Palestine Action.
Moreover, the crowd held signs with a specific message. The signs read, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action.” Merseyside Police quickly confirmed the details. They arrested people aged twenty-one to eighty-three. However, they released two people without any charges. Therefore, sixty-four people remain on bail currently.
The government had banned Palestine Action in July. Importantly, they used the Terrorism Act for this proscription. Now, supporting the group is a serious crime. Consequently, offenders could face up to fourteen years in prison. The police statement explained their reasoning clearly. They said attendees displayed support for a proscribed terror organization.
Meanwhile, the protest group Defend Our Juries organized the event. They issued a strong statement about the demonstration. They said people were disobeying an unjust ban. Additionally, they argued supporters were silently risking arrest. They held simple cardboard signs to express their views.
Furthermore, one protester explained his personal motivation. Keith Hackett is seventy-one years old. He said he felt deeply ashamed of Labour’s actions. Moreover, he believes the party must change its direction. He also wants the ban on Palestine Action lifted immediately.
Another demonstrator echoed this call for courage. Tayo Aluko is sixty-three. He stated this is a time for bravery. Therefore, he referenced past fights for modern freedoms. He feels those freedoms are now under serious threat.
Police also faced another group at the scene. About two hundred people waved union jacks. They also carried placards against digital ID plans. Consequently, officers had to separate the two protesting groups. This ensured there was no conflict between them.
Former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper enacted the ban. She did this after an attack on RAF Brize Norton. Protesters had daubed paint on military jets. Police estimated the damage at seven million pounds.
However, the legal situation remains complex. The Home Office can challenge an appeal ruling. Palestine Action’s co-founder won appeal permission in July. Her lawyers argued the ban breaches free speech. A full High Court review will happen in November.
Earlier this month, a similar event occurred in London. Police made eight hundred ninety arrests there. This shows a continuing pattern of civil disobedience. The mass arrests at a protest in Liverpool follow this trend. The mass arrests at a protest highlight the ongoing national tension over this issue.
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