"Organisers say detained demonstrators include vicars and priests, war veterans and descendants of Holocaust survivors'. Authorities in London have arrested nearly 900 people during a protest in support of the banned group Palestine Action, police say. The Metropolitan Police said they arrested 890 people on Saturday, including 857 on suspicion of showing support for a proscribed group. The new tally, announced on Sunday, highlights the strict approach that police have taken against the demonstrators, who organisers insisted were nonviolent."
"It accused the police of making many false claims and attempts to smear the protesters to justify arresting peace demonstrators with signs that read: I oppose genocide I support Palestine Action. While the Met has failed to provide any evidence backing up their claims, video footage clearly shows the Met violently arresting people, wielding their batons and pushing people to the ground, Defend Our Juries said. We're nonviolent, how about you?"
"The Press Association news agency reported that police drew batons during clashes with protesters. Officers forced their way through the crowd while carrying arrested demonstrators and were seen in shouting confrontations with demonstrators. Water and plastic bottles were thrown at police, the agency said, while several protesters fell in a crush. One man was photographed with blood streaming down his face after being arrested. Deputy Assistant Police Commissioner Claire Smart said officers had faced co-ordinated violence."
Nearly 900 people were arrested in London during a protest supporting the banned group Palestine Action. A total of 890 arrests were recorded on Saturday, including 857 held on suspicion of showing support for a proscribed group and 33 detained for alleged assault or other public order offences. Claims that demonstrators were violent were rejected by organisers, who characterised many arrestees as nonviolent civilians, including vicars, priests, war veterans, descendants of Holocaust survivors, retired teachers and healthcare workers. Video and press reports show officers drawing batons, forcing through crowds, carrying arrested demonstrators, and at least one person photographed with bleeding injuries. Police reported they faced co-ordinated violence and pursued strict enforcement.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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