More than 10 arrested for supporting Palestine Action

Police arrested 13 people in Norwich, UK, on Saturday for displaying posters supporting Palestine Action, adding to more than 700 arrests since the organization was banned and classified by authorities as a terrorist organization.

"All of these people were arrested on suspicion of displaying an item supporting a proscribed organisation, in breach of section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000," Norwich Police said in a statement.

These 13 people join more than 700 people arrested since the non-governmental organization (NGO) was banned in July, with the majority of arrests — more than 530 — occurring at last week's protest in London.

Five people were taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, while eight were released after providing personal details for further investigation.

"We will always work to facilitate peaceful protests and protect the democratic right to assembly, however, the actions of this group were unlawful," said Officer Wes Hornigold.

The pro-Palestinian group Palestine Action has been classified as a terrorist organization by the British government since early July. Following Palestine Action's ban under the 2000 Terrorism Act, supporting or belonging to the organization will be considered a crime, with maximum penalties of up to 14 years in prison.

Lawyers for the NGO have argued that the ban represents “an authoritarian abuse” of power, according to the BBC.

The current UK government, led by Keir Starmer, outlawed the group after an attack on an air base, in which several activists graffitied military aircraft, with authorities estimating damages worth seven million pounds (8.1 million euros).