134 people charged over Palestine Action protests

A TOTAL of 134 people have been charged with an offence for allegedly showing support for the banned Palestine Action group in London, the Metropolitan Police have said, as it announced the latest 20 protesters have been told they are to face court action.

- HELEN WILLIAM

The 20 defendants, who were all arrested on August 9, have been sent a formal charge summons in the post to appear in court, the force said.

They had been charged with an offence under section 13 of the Terrorism Act, 2000 and were due to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on November 24.

Earlier, Defend Our Juries said more than 1,500 people had so far pledged to take part in a central London demonstration in Trafalgar Square billed as "the biggest ever mass action yet defying the ban on Palestine Action".

Hundreds of people would be risking arrest at the protest as they showed support for Palestine Action, which has been banned by the Government as a terrorist organisation.

Commander Dominic Murphy, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said convictions could have "potentially serious consequences" that could impact on the careers and overseas travel plans of anyone who now had to go to court.