LONDON

Some 360 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 demonstrating in support of Gaza and Palestine Action, a group the British government banned last month.

Carrying Palestinian flags, many protesters also carried signs 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.

More than 500 people expressed their wish to attend the rally beforehand.

During the rally, with heavy police presence, hundreds of protesters were arrested by Metropolitan Police officers.

The police confirmed that they had arrested 360 people in Parliament Square, citing the controversial ban on Palestine Action.

"As of 6pm (1700GMT), 365 people had been arrested for supporting a proscribed organisation," the police said on X.

"There have been seven arrests for other offences including five for assaults on officers. Fortunately none were seriously injured," it added.

Earlier, the police warned that anyone taking part in Saturday's Palestine Action demonstration faced possible arrest.

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

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

In July, the ban passed in both the House of Commons and House of Lords.

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