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UK

Police to hand out leaflets to pro-Palestinian demonstrators spelling out what they cannot chant

FINE THE COPPERS FOR LITTERING

Martin Evans
Fri, 24 November 2023 

Pro-Palestinian supporters will be warned how to avoid breaking the law when chanting - Paul Grover

Police will hand out thousands of leaflets to pro-Palestinian marchers this weekend, warning them what phrases and slogans they are not allowed to use.

More than 100,000 people are expected to gather in central London on Saturday in the latest demonstration against Israel’s response to the Hamas terrorist attacks.

Previous marches have been marred by criminal behaviour, with some participants seen glorifying terrorism and showing support for Hamas.


But Scotland Yard has promised a “swift and robust” response to any forms of racism, anti-Semitism, incitement to violence or support for terrorism this weekend.

Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan said Met officers would be lining the route of the march – which will travel from Park Lane to Whitehall – to remind people what offences “would land them in the cells”.

He said this would involve handing out leaflets which set out clearly the boundaries of what is unacceptable and illegal.

“Anyone who is racist or incites hatred against any group should expect to be arrested,” he said.
‘We will not tolerate promoting terrorism’

Mr Adelekan also said anyone who was seen to show support for Hamas or any other banned organisation should expect to be arrested.

“We will not tolerate anyone who promotes or celebrates acts of terrorism such as the killing or kidnap of innocent people,” he said.

He urged anyone taking part in the march who witnessed any form of criminality to report it to any of the police officers along the route.

“In a huge march officers cannot see everything that is going but others do. So if they do report it we will act as quickly as possible. You will see robust intervention from our officers in the event of any criminal activity this weekend.”
Police will guard the Cenotaph

Scotland Yard will have trained spotters along the route as well as Arabic translators mingling among the marchers and in the operations room to look out for any criminal acts, including hate placards, banners and clothing.

Police officers will also guard a physical barrier around the Cenotaph in Whitehall and will protect other monuments along the route.

Police will keep guard at the Cenotaph during the protest march - Shutterstock

Mr Adelekan said: “We will not tolerate criminal behaviour that disturbs the sanctity of these national monuments.”

As well as the main march organised by the Palestinian Solidarity Campaign, there will be a static protest being held at the Egyptian embassy by Hizb ut-Tahrir at which several hundred people are expected.

The police leaflets, headlined Keep On The Right Side Of The Law, advise people on conducting a peaceful protest.

They state: “To avoid ending up in our cells DON’T use words or images:

“That are racist or incite hatred against any faith.

“That support Hamas or any other banned organisation, it is illegal under UK law to support such terrorist organisations.

“That celebrate or promote acts of terrorism - such as the killing or kidnap of innocent people.”
Warning not to use flares or fireworks

The leaflet also warns protesters not to use flares or fireworks or use words or behaviour that could be considered intimidating

Protesters are told not to deface or damage monuments or statues.

The first national march against anti-Semitism is due to take place on Sunday with with concern that it might be targeted by pro-Palestinian groups.

Asked about reports that Tommy Robinson, the founder and former leader of the far-Right English Defence League, could attend the protest, Mr Adelekan said he was “not welcome” at the march and would be engaged with by officers.

Around 1,500 officers will be deployed for the protests with several hundred drafted in from other forces through mutual aid.