Mass Arrests At Labour Conference Protest As 94-Year-Old Human Rights Barrister Among Those Detained

More than 150 people were arrested on terrorism charges during a protest outside the Labour Party conference, with a 94-year-old human rights barrister among those detained.

The protest began at 1 p.m. and continued for more than 16 hours before Merseyside Police left the remaining demonstrators in place at about 5 a.m. Organizers said the protesters were displaying signs reading, “I OPPOSE GENOCIDE. I SUPPORT PALESTINE ACTION”.

Defend Our Juries said police formed a cordon around the demonstrators and pushed people to the ground as many attempted to leave the protest at about 6:30 p.m. The group said many of those affected were elderly.

After the mass arrests, a group of remaining supporters stayed outside the conference through the night, with some wrapped in foil as they continued displaying their signs.

The protest was organized as part of Defend Our Juries’ campaign against the proscription of Palestine Action.

Among those arrested was human rights barrister Margaret Owen OBE, who is 94 years old.

A Defend Our Juries spokesperson criticized the arrests while referring to remarks expected from Ed Miliband inside the conference about campaigners building political pressure over Gaza through protests.

The spokesperson also called for action against companies it said were involved in supplying weapons to Israel and argued that the ban on Palestine Action was unworkable.