London’s Metropolitan Police arrested 18 supporters of Palestine Action on Saturday after announcing a reversal of its earlier decision to halt such arrests. The protesters were detained under terrorism legislation while sitting on the steps of New Scotland Yard holding signs expressing opposition to genocide and support for Palestine Action. The arrests came days after Deputy Assistant Commissioner James Harman said the force would resume enforcement because the government’s appeal against a High Court ruling had not yet been resolved.

In February, the High Court ruled that the government’s decision to ban Palestine Action as a terrorist organisation was unlawful and disproportionate. However, the government obtained a stay pending appeal, leaving the ban technically in force. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood has pledged to challenge the ruling, while Chief Magistrate Paul Goldspring paused hundreds of related prosecutions until the appeal is heard. Critics argue that the police’s renewed arrests defy the court’s judgment.

The crackdown has drawn international criticism, including from the UN and Amnesty International, which warned that the ban risks criminalising free expression. Defend Our Juries has announced a mass sign-holding protest at Trafalgar Square on April 11 as the government’s appeal proceeds.