After more than 500 arrests on Saturday, anyone convicted under s12 of the Terrorism Act could get up to 14 years in jail
The consequences of being arrested for expressing support for Palestine Action could be “life-changing”, one of those detained during Saturday’s protests, Jonathon Porritt, has admitted.
While the former government adviser said he had carefully deliberated over a decision to take part, the road ahead for the more than 500 people arrested on Saturday involves possible criminal charges, court cases and convictions. Ultimately, custodial sentences of as much as 14 years could be imposed.
Those whose details could be confirmed were released on bail to appear at a police station at a future date. The police will send case files to the Crown Prosecution Service, as they have done already in the case of at least 26 others who were arrested at previous protests in support of Palestine Action.
All those arrested have now been released under police bail, with the main condition being not to attend any future demonstrations aiming to overwhelm the criminal justice system in protest at the proscription of Palestine Action by the British government.
