MADRID, 17 (EUROPA PRESS)
Norwich Police announced 13 new arrests this Saturday in the British city for carrying signs in support of the banned pro-Palestinian NGO Palestine Action – considered a terrorist organization – adding to the more than 700 people arrested since its ban on July 5, more than 530 at the mass protest in London last week alone.
"All of these individuals were arrested on suspicion of displaying an article in support of a prohibited organization, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000," the police force said in a statement.
Five of the detainees were taken to the Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning, while the other eight were released after providing their details for further investigation.
"We will always work to facilitate peaceful protest and protect the democratic right to assemble; however, this group's actions were unlawful," said Officer Wes Hornigold.
Following Palestine Action's outlawing under the 2000 Anti-Terrorism Act, supporting or belonging to the organization will be a crime, with maximum penalties of up to 14 years in prison, despite the organization's lawyers arguing until the last minute that the outlawing represents "an authoritarian abuse" of power, according to BBC radio.
Keir Starmer's government promoted the group's outlawing after a raid on an airbase in which several activists spray-painted military aircraft. Authorities estimated the damage at £7 million ( €8.1 million ).
