An 84-year-old retired Anglican priest was among 14 people arrested in central London on Sunday afternoon during a protest marking the first anniversary of the ban on Palestine Action.
Reverend Sue Parfitt, a former nun from Henbury in Bristol, was detained outside the Metropolitan Police headquarters at Scotland Yard. She was reportedly expressing her support for the proscribed organisation, standing on a soapbox that bore the stark message "I oppose genocide". Other demonstrators at the scene held a banner proclaiming "saving lives is not terrorism" as they gathered.
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.”
A Metropolitan Police spokesperson said: “A small demonstration in support of proscribed terror organisation Palestine Action took place today outside New Scotland Yard.
“Expressing support for a proscribed group remains a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act and, as a result, officers made 14 arrests.”
