Protesters defend free speech amid anti-terror ban

A Parliament Square protest drew hundreds of older participants and sharpened the debate on free speech and anti-terror laws.

Elder protesters defend free speech amid Palestine Action ban

Hundreds were arrested in Parliament Square on Saturday during demonstrations by Defend Our Juries, which opposed the ban on Palestine Action being treated as a terrorist organisation. The Metropolitan Police said 532 people were taken into custody, the largest number linked to these protests to date. The age profile stood out, with half of those detained aged 60 or older, and participants said they wanted to shield younger protesters who face greater stakes for speaking out.

The group included a diverse mix of longtime activists and ordinary citizens. Among those detained were Deborah Hinton, 81, a former magistrate; Father John McGowan, 75, a Catholic priest; Chris Romberg, 75, a retired army colonel; Richard Whitmore-Jones, 74, and Trevelyan Evans, 64. They described the action as a defense of free speech rather than an act of terrorism, and they argued that the law should target individuals for criminal acts rather than label a movement as terrorist.

The gathering shows how free speech and foreign policy debates are becoming more personal for older voters. It also tests how far the state will go to police dissent, and whether anti-terror laws are seen as legitimate tools or overreach. Critics say the government frames protest as terrorism to deter critics, while supporters argue that strong measures are needed to prevent violence. The presence of veterans and retirees adds moral weight to the argument for civil liberties, potentially shifting public mood in favor of more scrutiny of anti-terror policy.

If the trend continues, officials may face questions about clarity, accountability, and the balance between security and protest rights. The coverage also raises questions about how different generations perceive risk, loyalty, and the responsibilities of citizenship in a tense foreign policy moment.

Highlights

The road ahead will test how governments respond to dissent while safeguarding civil liberties.