Twelve people were arrested at a pro-Palestine demonstration in central London, police said after the protest ended.
The arrests were for a string of alleged offences, including inciting racial hatred, suspicion of support for a proscribed organisation in relation to a placard, and assaulting emergency workers.
But the Metropolitan Police said the “overwhelming majority” of people who took part were peaceful and acted lawfully.
Today’s protest has now fully concluded.
— Metropolitan Police (@metpoliceuk) February 17, 2024
There were 12 arrests for placard related offences, assaults on officers and refusal to remove face coverings. Thankfully, none of the officers who were assaulted were seriously injured.
Despite these arrests, the overwhelming majority…
Between 200,000 and 250,000 people were expected at the demonstration, according to a spokesman for the Palestine Solidarity Campaign.
Protesters met at the south of Park Lane, holding banners calling for a “ceasefire now” and chanting “free, free Palestine”, before leaving for designated place near the Israeli embassy where speeches were made.
Among the speakers was former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Palestinian ambassador to the UK Husam Zomlot, who both called for “justice” for the Palestinian people.
Just before 6.30pm the Met posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Today’s protest has now fully concluded.
“There were 12 arrests for placard related offences, assaults on officers and refusal to remove face coverings. Thankfully, none of the officers who were assaulted were seriously injured.
“Despite these arrests, the overwhelming majority who took part were peaceful and acted entirely with the law. We worked closely with the organisers and their stewarding team in the run up to and during the protest and we’re grateful for their cooperation.”
The force had imposed Section 60, 60AA and 35 orders, giving police additional powers, but they have been withdrawn and the Met said the orders are “no longer required”.