The number of people arrested for supporting banned group Palestine Action at a protest in central London has risen to more than 520. Only 18 of those people remained in custody on Sunday afternoon but were expected to be released on bail “in the coming hours”, the Metropolitan Police said.

Police say the majority of arrests were for displaying placards in support of the banned group.

A former government adviser to Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown said it was a “privilege” to be arrested at a Palestine Action protest. Sir Jonathon Porritt, 75, was previously chairman of the sustainable development commission,

Police in London arrested 466 people Saturday for supporting Palestine Action at the latest and largest protest backing the group since the government banned it last month under anti-terror laws. The Metropolitan Police said it had made the arrests,

Police have arrested 474 people at a demonstration in London in support of banned group Palestine Action. The Metropolitan Police said 466 protesters were arrested for supporting the group, five for assaults on police officers, two for public order offences, and one for a racially aggravated offence.

Police arrested 466 people in central London on Saturday for protesting the British government’s decision to ban the pro-Palestinian activist group Palestine Action under anti-terrorism laws.

Critics say ban on activist group stifles freedom of speech and assembly and aims to curb pro-Palestine demonstrations.

The U.K. government has proscribed the network as a terrorist group, a decision fiercely contested by the group itself.

The number of people arrested for supporting banned group Palestine Action at a protest in central London has risen to more than 520. Only 18 of those people remained in custody on Sunday afternoon but were expected to be released on bail “in the coming hours”, the Metropolitan Police said.