Cherwell understands that several arrests have been made at a protest in Oxford this afternoon against the UK government’s decision to proscribe Palestine Action as a terrorist group. The protest, which took place outside of the Clarendon Building on Broad Street, is part of a national campaign by the activist group Defend Our Juries who oppose “the corrupting of UK law by corporate interests”.
The protest appeared peaceful, with protesters sitting down, waving Palestinian flags, and holding signs which read “lift the ban” and “I oppose genocide”.
Activists from Defend Our Juries were accompanied by other protesters, including members from Extinction Rebellion (XR) Oxford and the Oxford Climate Choir. The protesters also sang songs, including: “One, two, three, four, occupation no more. Five, six, seven, eight, Israel is a terror state.”
A member of the choir told Cherwell that they found the proscription of Palestine Action “outrageous”, adding that “they’re a completely peaceful direct action group”. He emphasised that “it’s a slippery slope. If this continues, all the other peaceful action groups can be prescribed as terrorists. People are being carried away by the police in front of our eyes – it’s just so shocking.”
The national campaign, named ‘Lift the ban’, will see protests in 18 towns and cities across the country between 18th and 29th November, including in Oxford. In an Instagram post ahead of the campaign, Defend Our Juries described the protests as the “most widespread mass civil disobedience across the UK in modern British history.”
Another protester on the steps of the Clarendon Building told Cherwell: “I’m here because I disagree with the proscription of Palestine Action. There are so many things wrong with this…I just had to add my voice, I couldn’t stay quiet.”
Palestine Action is a proscribed terrorist organisation under UK law, and supporting such an organisation is a criminal offence.
In October, a Home Office spokesperson told BBC News: “Palestine Action has conducted an escalating campaign. This has involved sustained criminal damage, including to Britain’s national security infrastructure, as well as intimidation, alleged violence and serious injuries.”
The spokesperson added that those who support the group will “face the full force of the law”.
Thames Valley Police have been approached for comment.
