UK police arrest 139 Palestine Action supporters before court appeal

British police arrested at least 139 supporters of Palestine Action in coordinated operations across London and Edinburgh, timed days before a significant legal challenge to the group's prohibition.

The arrests occurred as the activist organisation gears up for a Supreme Court appeal against the government's decision to proscribe the group under counter-terrorism legislation. Palestine Action has contested the ban, arguing it violates freedom of expression and association rights.

The timing of the mass arrests raised questions about the relationship between law enforcement operations and the pending judicial proceedings. The group has been at the centre of controversy following a series of demonstrations at defence contractor premises in recent months.

Palestine Action's legal team is expected to present arguments before the UK's highest court contesting the proscription order. The case represents a test of how British authorities balance national security concerns with civil liberties protections in protest-related matters.

The arrests underscore ongoing tensions between activist organisations and UK security officials over demonstrations related to Middle Eastern conflicts and defence industry operations.