Critics say the incidents are a warning sign for democratic values in the UK, while government and police officials argue that the actions are necessary to “preserve law and order.” Palestine Action is a militant protest group that takes direct action against companies that have arms and military ties to Israel. Their protest actions include occupying offices and factories, hanging banners on buildings, and blocking roads. In recent weeks, members of the group have been arrested in several cities while allegedly trying to enter the premises of an arms company. During this operation, police not only used force to stop the protest, but also collected detailed information about the ethnic and immigration status of the suspects after their arrest.
According to the report, the government has issued new instructions to the police, stating that the race, nationality and immigration status of protesters or suspects should also be recorded after their arrest. The government claims that this is aimed at “preventing information misinformation”, but human rights activists and lawyers have called it a new way of political surveillance and racial discrimination.
Opposition parties and civil society have strongly criticized the move. A spokesperson for a human rights organization said that this is just a ploy to suppress protests. Peaceful protests have never been stopped in this way in the UK. On the other hand, a spokesperson for the Home Office took the position that the government respects the right of every citizen to protest, but those who violate the law will not be forgiven.
The issue has also raised concerns among ordinary citizens. Many say that if the police start recording such detailed personal information, it could lead to mass surveillance and violations of civil liberties in the future.