British Police Arrest Wheelchair Users in Controversial Gaza Protests

British police arrested over 890 pro-Palestine protesters in London (Image Source)

London, UK — British police arrested over 890 protesters—including elderly and disabled individuals in wheelchairs—during a pro-Palestine demonstration in Parliament Square, sparking international outrage over the use of force.

Eyewitnesses say police prioritized detaining protesters with visible disabilities. Among those arrested was 77-year-old Jean, who was detained alongside her husband. Protesters were demonstrating against the UK government’s designation of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. Chants of “Justice or genocide” filled the square as officers used batons and made mass arrests.

“They arrested the wheelchair users first,” Jean said.

Human rights organizations criticized the arrests, arguing that the government misused counterterrorism legislation to suppress dissent. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk cautioned that such tactics “risk hindering the legitimate exercise of fundamental freedoms.”

Mike Higgins, a blind protester in a wheelchair, expressed disbelief:“I’m blind and in a wheelchair—and I’m a terrorist? That’s the joke.”

The crackdown has intensified debate over Britain’s stance on Gaza and the rights of peaceful demonstrators. Legal experts warn that the aggressive enforcement approach could set a concerning precedent for future protests. The incident has attracted international media attention, with advocacy groups calling for investigations into police conduct. Critics argue that targeting vulnerable participants undermines public confidence in law enforcement and could violate both domestic law and international human rights norms.

Civil society groups are organizing follow-up campaigns to pressure the government to review its policies on protest management, highlighting a growing tension between national security priorities and freedom of expression.