Police arrested 13 people at a protest in Norfolk on Saturday on suspicion of showing support for the proscribed group Palestine Action.
A group assembled outside City Hall in St Peters Street, Norwich, holding placards referencing the organisation, Norfolk police said. The force said they were arrested on suspicion of displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation, contrary to section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
It added: “Five of those arrested have been taken to Wymondham police investigation centre for questioning, where they remain. The remaining eight people were spoken to by officers and provided their details for further investigation. They were therefore de-arrested.
“A 14th person had their sign seized by officers during the protest and provided their details when requested.”
Supt Wes Hornigold of Norfolk police said: “We will always work to facilitate peaceful protest and protect the democratic right to assembly, however the actions of this group were unlawful.
“Our officers’ role is to prevent disorder, damage and disruption in the local community and they will use their powers to do this. Any breaches of the law will be dealt with.”
The arrests came a day after the Metropolitan police said a further 60 people will be prosecuted for alleged support of Palestine Action.
The force said this followed the arrest of more than 700 people since the group was banned on 5 July, including 522 in central London last Saturday.
More prosecutions are expected in the coming weeks and arrangements have been put in place “that will enable us to investigate and prosecute significant numbers each week if necessary”, the Met said.
The Met last week confirmed the first three charges in England and Wales for offences under the Terrorism Act relating to Palestine Action.
On Friday, organisations including Greenpeace and Human Rights Watch wrote to the attorney general for England and Wales arguing that protesters arrested for supporting the organisation should not be prosecuted until a legal challenge to a ban on the group has been heard.
Palestine Action was proscribed last month by the home secretary, Yvette Cooper, after the group claimed responsibility for damage to jets at RAF Brize Norton, and was also linked to allegations of a serious assault on staff and police officers at a business premises in south Gloucestershire.
