Why it matters:
British police arrested at least 11 pro-Palestine demonstrators during a protest in central London after ordering organizers to move the rally from near the Prime Minister’s Office to the Ministry of Justice, drawing condemnation from activists and rights advocates.
The arrests underscore increasing restrictions on pro-Palestine expression in the UK, with critics arguing that authorities are criminalizing solidarity with Gaza while shielding Israel from accountability for its war crimes.
What they’re saying:
Hiya Adam, a London-based pro-Palestine activist and one of those arrested, told Iran Press the detentions were politically motivated and would not weaken support for Gaza or the Palestinian cause.
Police accused Adam of “inciting a global intifada” after she led chants at the start of the march.
Adam’s mother, an Egyptian-born pro-Palestine activist who was briefly detained after confronting officers, strongly condemned the arrests.
“They arrested my daughter even though she did nothing wrong. In this country, people are arrested simply for supporting Palestine,” she said.
“This is the so-called democratic Britain, the so-called West. But it is no different from fascist dictatorships.”
“She only chanted. Because they don’t like the chant, she was arrested. When I asked why, they said they cannot tell me. What kind of country of law is this?”
“I left Egypt believing I had come to a land of freedom and human rights, only to find the same dictatorship here. When you stand with Palestine, all principles are erased.”
Addressing Gaza directly, she added: “You are the light of the world. You taught us resilience and real freedom. We will always stand behind you.”
“I am 100 percent proud of my daughter. This is not the first time she has been arrested. It is a badge of honor, and we will continue this path.”
Go deeper:
Rights groups warn that Europe’s crackdown on Palestine activism undermines its claims of defending free speech and human rights.
Mojtaba Darabi - ahmad shirzadian
