"We have now got about 2000 people most of them pending prosecution decisions by the Attorney General. Some of them are on their way towards it some of them we are still doing the files. Those files are not the most complex even though they are terrorism files. But 2000 is a lot of work. That's a big burden for our Counter Terrorism team, it's a big burden for public order team, it's a big burden for the Crown Prosecution Service."
"Almost 500 were hauled away by officers for holding placards declaring I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action at the most recent demonstration in Trafalgar Square earlier this month. This brings the total facing likely charges under the Terrorism Act for defying the controversial ban, which is being challenged in the High Court, to around 2,000. And the courts are indicating multiple long trials next year, so I'm concerned that the justice system isn't moving quickly enough to show that it's taking this seriously."
Around 2,000 people face potential prosecution under the Terrorism Act for supporting the banned group Palestine Action after repeated demonstrations. Almost 500 people were arrested at a recent Trafalgar Square vigil for holding placards declaring opposition to genocide and support for Palestine Action. Hundreds of prosecution files are pending decisions by the Attorney General and the Crown Prosecution Service. Metropolitan Police and public order teams report a significant operational strain. Judges and court administrators are preparing for multiple long trials next year, and there are concerns about the pace of the justice system. Twenty-eight defendants recently pleaded not guilty at Westminster Magistrates' Court.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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