Dozens arrested at London rally for Palestine Action

Several protesters have been arrested in London as hundreds of people on Saturday held a demonstration in support of Palestine Action.

Gathering in Parliament Square, hundreds of people are holding a demonstration in support of Gaza and Palestine Action, a group which was banned by the British government last month.

Carrying Palestinian flags, many protesters prepared signs in the area, reading: "I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action."

During the demonstration, organized by the Defend Our Juries group, the crowd also shouted pro-Palestine slogans simultaneously.

It came after more than 500 people expressed their wish to attend the rally, ahead of the gathering.

During the rally, with intense police presence, dozens of protesters have been arrested by Metropolitan Police officers.

Earlier, the police had warned that anyone taking part in Saturday's Palestine Action demonstration would face arrest.

Many international organizations and peace activists warned the London police against arresting participants at the Palestine Action protest.

In June, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper announced a ban under the Terrorism Act 2000 after activists spray-painted planes at a Royal Air Force base, an act being investigated under counter-terrorism laws.

Later, the ban was passed in the House of Commons and House of Lords in early July.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk also raised serious concerns over the ban, warning that it is a "disturbing misuse" of counter-terrorism laws and risks undermining fundamental freedoms.