An 84-year-old retired priest was arrested for expressing support for Palestine Action at a protest marking one year since the ban on the group came into force.
Protesters held up a banner that said “saving lives is not terrorism” outside the headquarters of the Metropolitan Police in central London on Sunday afternoon.
Around 14 protesters including the Reverend Sue Parfitt, 84, were arrested by police after expressing their support for Palestine Action outside Scotland Yard.
The retired Anglican priest and former nun from Henbury in Bristol was among those to be arrested after voicing their support for the proscribed organisation while standing on a soapbox with the message “I oppose genocide” written on it.
Defend Our Juries, which organised the protests, said protesters were arrested under section 12 of the Terrorism Act, adding this was “a far more serious charge than the section 13 charge for which those holding signs have previously been arrested”.
Speaking through a megaphone while standing with the aid of a walking stick, Reverend Parfitt said: “So what can I do at my age and my frailty, very little – I do what I can to support the Palestinians.
“One of the best things that I can do is to support the organisation known as Palestine Action because they have been brave enough, to some of them smash up the weapons that are producing the genocide.
“So I ask you too to support Palestine Action.”
Reverend Parfitt, who was wearing a clerical collar and a crucifix medallion, was then arrested by police officers who slowly led her away and searched her bag – which appeared to contain a bible and a newspaper among other items.
The retired priest was then taken inside a police van.
Then-home secretary Yvette Cooper announced in June last year she had decided to proscribe Palestine Action, making membership and support for the protest group illegal.
The ban came into force on July 5 last year.
A spokesperson for Defend Our Juries said: “This action marks a substantial escalation in the campaign, Saving Lives is Not Terrorism.
“It may seem tongue-in-cheek to invite the police to join Palestine Action but the police haven’t seen the funny side.
“They have arrested everyone under section 12 of the Terrorism Act. 14 years in prison is no joke.
“Police officers are paid to save lives and prevent crime.
“Tens of thousands of children have already been murdered in Gaza.
“The best way the police could discharge their duty right now would be to target the British factories of Elbit Systems, the leading supplier of drones to the IDF.
“In the meantime, the ongoing attempt to silence peaceful opposition to genocide will continue to backfire.”
The Metropolitan Police has been approached for comment.
