This is the moment a man dressed as Father Christmas was dragged away by police after he was arrested at a Palestine Action protest.
The man, who has not been named, shouted ‘these guys are going on the naughty list’ as four officers detained him in Norwich city centre.
He was also heard saying ‘Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas kids’ and ‘I’ve got presents to make’.
Many bemused onlookers can be heard laughing in the footage, while others applauded.
It came as Norfolk Police arrested ten people for allegedly holding placards in support of proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action during a demonstration on Saturday.
The signs read: ‘I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.’
Defend Our Juries – the group which organised the protest – condemned the government’s decision to ban Palestine Action.
A spokesperson said: ‘This historic wave of action has seen people of courage and conscience taking action to resist the government’s clampdown on our fundamental rights to protest and free speech.’
This is the moment a man dressed as Father Christmas was dragged away by police after he was arrested at a Palestine Action protest
The man, who has not been named, shouted ‘these guys are going on the naughty list’ as four officers detained him in Norwich city centre
The group added in a post on social media: ‘Santa Claus has been arrested under the Terrorism Act in Norwich after it turns out Santa oppo-ho-ho-ses genocide and supports Palestine Action.
‘These four officers will be having their names checked twice this year. Lift The Ban on Palestine Action.’
The protesters were all arrested on suspicion of displaying an item in support of a proscribed organisation, contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000.
They were subsequently taken to Wymondham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.
Officials said police officers were at the protest from 12.30pm until 3pm on Saturday.
Superintendent Terry Lordan said: ‘As we have seen throughout the summer, officers will always work to protect the democratic right to assembly and facilitate peaceful protest.
‘Our role as a police force is to prevent disorder, damage and disruption in the local community.
‘Today, this involved arresting individuals who were committing offences under the Terrorism Act.
The man was also heard saying ‘Ho, Ho, Ho, Merry Christmas kids’ and ‘I’ve got presents to make’
A woman dressed as an elf can be seen in the back of a police van following the protest
‘The actions of this group were unlawful and officers have used their powers accordingly.’
Palestine Action was formally banned in July following alleged attacks on an Israel-linked defence company’s UK site and two aircraft at RAF Brize Norton.
The ban makes membership of, or open support for, the group a criminal offence, carrying a maximum sentence of up to 14 years in prison.
More than 2,000 people have been arrested since the law came into effect, according to Defend Our Juries.
