British police arrested dozens of members of the "Palestine Action" group in recent days, after the organization was outlawed earlier this month under the UK's counterterrorism legislation.
Authorities reported at least 41 arrests in London and another 16 in Manchester, following protests in support of the group's activities. The campaign group "Defend our Juries" claimed that 86 people were detained across the UK, with additional demonstrations held in Wales and Northern Ireland.
Earlier this month, the British Parliament designated "Palestine Action" as a proscribed organization under the country's anti-terrorism laws. The decision came after some of its members broke into a Royal Air Force base and vandalized aircraft in protest against UK support for Israel.
"Officers made 41 arrests for showing support for a proscribed organization. One person was arrested for assault," London police said in a statement.
Following a similar demonstration in London last week, police detained 29 people. Around 50 protesters had gathered near the statue of former South African President Nelson Mandela outside the British Parliament, holding signs that read, "I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action."
