Greens stand by councillor arrested at protest

Amanda Fox was among about 100 activists who gathered in Norwich as part of a nationwide day of action in support of the banned group Palestine Action

The Green Party said one of its councillors arrested at a protest would not be expelled from the party.

Amanda Fox, who represents Mancroft ward on Norwich City Council, was one of 13 people arrested during a demonstration in support of the banned group Palestine Action in the city on Saturday.

"I will always speak up for every Briton's right to protest," she said in a statement.

A Green Party spokesperson said the protests were "entirely peaceful" and that there would be no calls for the councillor to "stand down".

Footage from the incident showed Ms Fox being carried away by a group of officers

A nationwide day of action took place in support of Palestine Action, which was last month proscribed by the government as a terrorist organisation.

The group was banned by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper following criminal damage to planes at RAF Brize Norton.

Ms Fox was among the 13 people arrested outside City Hall in Norwich on suspicion of displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

After the incident, Ms Fox said she would "not allow myself to be used as a distraction" from what she said were war crimes taking place.

Israel has strongly denied genocide allegations, claims which were being examined by the International Court of Justice.

A Green Party spokesperson said it appeared the protests were entirely peaceful and applying the Terrorism Act was "not a good use of police time".

"On that basis, there will be no calls for Councillor Amanda Fox to stand down," they said.

Norfolk Police said four people have been released on bail until November 16 following the protest.

This includes two men, aged in their 20s and 70s, and two women, in their 50s and 70s.

The other people arrested were de-arrested after providing their details.