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Massive Attack’s Robert Del Naja Arrested at London Protest Against Palestine Action Ban

The case intensifies scrutiny of using UK terror laws to police protest.

Overview

  • Police arrested Robert Del Naja on suspicion of showing support for a proscribed group under the Terrorism Act, with more than 500 protesters detained in Trafalgar Square.
  • The musician held a sign reading “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action” before officers told him he was under arrest and carried him from the crowd.
  • In a new Instagram post, he condemned the government, called the arrests unlawful, and cited a High Court ruling that found the proscription of Palestine Action unlawful.
  • He told the Press Association he attended despite concerns that an arrest could threaten touring plans and visas.
  • The protest and mass arrests reflect a wider clash over artist activism and direct action against arms suppliers, including the 2024 Filton case, the No Music For Genocide campaign, and a Spotify boycott.