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'Palestine Action protest could ruin my career but I felt I had to do it'

London, UKGovernment

Law student Paddy Friend, 25, was among 521 individuals arrested during a sit-in protest supporting Palestine Action (PAG) in Parliament Square. The UK government classified PAG as a terrorist organization in July after it claimed responsibility for extensive damage to military assets. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that PAG's members engaged in violent acts, justifying the proscription. Critics, including the Liberal Democrats, argue that the law could have a chilling effect on free speech. Friend defended his actions as part of a tradition of civil disobedience against unjust laws, pointing to ongoing conflicts in Gaza as a motivating factor.

The average age of those arrested was 54, with many seniors among them, highlighting diverse participation in the protest. The legality of the proscription will be contested in the High Court in November. This situation raises significant questions about the balance between national security and civil liberties in the UK.

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