64 people charged with Palestine Action offences

64 people have been formally notified of charges for showing support for the proscribed group Palestine Action.

They are due to appear in court in October.

On Friday 15 August, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) authorised charges against 60 individuals for an offence under section 13 of the Terrorism Act, 2000. Another four have been added to the total since.

All those charged were initially arrested in central London on either Saturday, 5 July or Saturday, 12 July.

Officers from the Met's Counter Terrorism Command are still working to notify all of those affected.

Officers are continuing to pass case files to the CPS.

Another update is expected by the end of the week.

Commander Dominic Murphy, from the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command, said: “The notion that by coming out and showing support towards a proscribed terrorist group will overwhelm us is completely misguided. The reality for those who have carried out this action is that they are now facing serious charges under the Terrorism Act. If convicted of such an offence, it can have a severe impact on your life or career, potentially restricting your ability to travel overseas or work in certain professions.

“My message to anyone thinking about carrying out similar action in the coming weeks is to reconsider. Thousands continue to attend protests where they freely express their views in support of Palestine, without breaking counter terrorism laws. But where we do see offences, people will very likely be arrested and will certainly be swiftly investigated, working closely with the CPS to bring about prosecutions.”