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UK Faces Backlash Over Police Crackdown on Protests

10/15/2025

Summary

Story summary

Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner, warned the UK of potential over-policing and urged a review of peaceful-assembly laws, citing the Terrorism Act's impact on free expression.
After Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organization, police arrested over 2,000 people.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the actions, citing public safety.
Protest organizers vowed to escalate the campaign ahead of a High Court challenge on November 25.

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Story summary

Michael O'Flaherty, the Council of Europe’s human rights commissioner, warned the UK of potential over-policing and urged a review of peaceful-assembly laws, citing the Terrorism Act's impact on free expression.
After Palestine Action was designated a terrorist organization, police arrested over 2,000 people.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood defended the actions, citing public safety.
Protest organizers vowed to escalate the campaign ahead of a High Court challenge on November 25.