By Our Reporter
Nigerian-born playwright and performer Tayo Aluko was among at least 23 people arrested on Saturday during a protest in Leeds against what demonstrators described as Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza. The arrests followed the recent UK government decision to ban Palestine Action as a proscribed organisation, making public expressions of support for the group a criminal offence.
Witnesses said several protesters held placards reading, “I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,” a slogan now deemed illegal under the new law. Video from the scene showed Aluko singing “We are not the terrorists” as officers restrained him and led him away.
Aluko, known for his one-man shows and previous activism, had previously taken direct action with Palestine Action targeting the Israeli weapons industry before the group’s proscription.
The arrests drew a wave of reactions on social media, including criticism from users opposed to the demonstrations. One user on X, posting under the handle AcidArchie, wrote: “You’re a foreigner; who the fuck are you to tell us what we ‘must’ do? Palestine Action are a proscribed organization; these people should be jailed and/or deported.”
Another user, Gilly70, called the protests “shitty” and “pointless,” adding: “I’m sick of these unwashed cretins badgering me in town stopping me going about my business peacefully.” A third user, J-Agee-Thistle, criticised security failures at a military base linked to earlier Palestine Action activities, saying they were “TOTALLY embarrassed” that activists had gained access to a restricted area.
Police say those arrested are being held on suspicion of supporting a banned organisation and participating in an unlawful demonstration. Investigations are ongoing.