News / protest
17 people arrested at Palestine Action protest in Bristol
‘I support non-violent direct action by Palestine Action’ said a printed sign around the neck of 84-year-old Gwynn from Easton.
She and other protesters on College Green were surrounded by police officers but while 17 were arrested and taken away in police vans, Gwynn was not arrested but her signs were confiscated.
Palestine Action is now a proscribed terrorist organisation and despite the protesters sitting down peacefully between City Hall and the cathedral gatehouse, police still arrested them as it is a criminal offence to support the group.
17 people were arrested on Saturday afternoon for supporting Palestine Action – photo: Rob Browne
Ahead of what seemed to be her imminent arrest, Gwynn told Bristol24/7 that she was “apprehensive as anybody would be”.
She added: “But if I were in Gaza, I wouldn’t be preparing for arrest; I could be shot, executed on the spot simply for being suspicious.”
84-year-old Gwynn from Easton was not arrested but will have to report to a police station at a later date – photo: Martin Booth
“I wish I had your courage, madam, I wish I had your bravery” one supporter told Gwynn while she was sitting in her wheelchair surrounded by police.
‘Bully boy Bibi bombs babies’ – photo: Rob Browne
Police officers carried some of those they had arrested by their arms and legs towards waiting vans parked outside Central Library.
As one man was arrested and led away amid chants of “leave him alone”, he shouted: “Have I terrorised anyone today? I just need to find one witness who I have terrorised today.”
Multiple people have been arrested on College Green this afternoon for supporting Palestine Action, now a proscribed terrorist organisation pic.twitter.com/D99d0E4HYB
— Martin Booth (@beardedjourno) July 19, 2025
An Avon & Somerset Police spokesperson said: “A total of 17 people were arrested during a protest in Bristol this afternoon (19 July).
“Officers engaged with protesters on College Green, explaining that the recent proscription of the Palestine Action group by the government made it a criminal offence to express support for it under the Terrorism Act 2000.
“Seventeen people were arrested under Section 13 of the act and several placards were seized.
“A further three people will be invited to attend a voluntary interview at a future date.
“We will always aim to enable peaceful protest, however where criminal offences are committed, including those related to proscribed groups, we will intervene.”
Police carried away some of those they had arrested into waiting vans – photo: Rob Browne
Main photo: Rob Browne
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