UK to restrict ‘repeated protests’ after pro-Palestinian arrests
The article reports that British authorities have been granted broad new powers to restrict what they term “repeated protests” by pro-Palestinian demonstrators. This decision followed the arrest of nearly 500 protesters at a large demonstration in Trafalgar Square, London, which supported Palestine Action – a group the U.K. designated as a terrorist organization in July. The Home Office emphasized that while the right to protest is a fundamental freedom,it must be balanced against public safety and the right of communities to live without fear. Under the expanded powers, police can ban or move frequent protests based on their cumulative impact. The announcement came shortly after a deadly attack outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, highlighting concerns over security and terrorism. The protesters ignored government requests to cancel the demonstration, leading to mass arrests. The article also references the broader context of ongoing tensions related to the Gaza conflict and notes U.S.efforts under the Trump administration to broker a peace deal between Hamas and Israel.
British police to restrict ‘repeated protests’ after arresting nearly 500 pro-Palestinian protesters
Authorities in the United Kingdom have been granted sweeping powers to restrict what they call “repeated protests” organized by pro-Palestinian protesters.
The British government announced the move on Sunday, one day after nearly 500 arrests were made at Trafalgar Square in central London. The targeted demonstration was held in support of Palestine Action, which the U.K. designated as a terrorist organization in July.
The Home Office argued the right to protest doesn’t outweigh security concerns.
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“The right to protest is a fundamental freedom in our country,” said Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who has a history of sympathizing with the pro-Palestinian cause. “However, this freedom must be balanced with the freedom of their neighbors to live their lives without fear. Large, repeated protests can leave sections of our country, particularly religious communities, feeling unsafe, intimidated and scared to leave their homes.”
Under the expanded powers, police officers are permitted to ban or relocate frequent protests based on their “cumulative impact.”
The news comes days after a ramming and stabbing attack unfolded outside a Manchester synagogue on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. The attack left two Jewish men dead, including one who was accidentally shot by a police officer. The suspect, identified as a Syrian-born British citizen, was fatally shot by police about seven minutes after he rammed his vehicle into pedestrians.
British leaders cited the act of terrorism as a reason why Saturday’s protest should have been canceled. The group that organized the protest, Defend Our Juries, ignored the government’s plea.
As a result, at least 493 people were arrested for participating in the mass protest.
In August, a similar protest in London saw more than 500 arrests of people decrying the U.K. ban on Palestine Action.
The latest pro-Palestinian demonstration came days ahead of the two-year anniversary of Hamas’s large-scale attack against southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, leading to the breakout of the Gaza war.
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The Trump administration is working to get both Hamas and Israel to agree to a peace deal, the outcome of which remains uncertain. Hamas faces a 6 p.m. Sunday deadline to finalize the agreement, which includes the release of the remaining Israeli hostages. Otherwise, the war will intensify.
“We will have PEACE in the Middle East one way or the other,” President Donald Trump wrote in a Truth Social post on Friday. “The violence and bloodshed will stop. RELEASES THE HOSTAGES, ALL OF THEM, INCLUDING THE BODIES OF THOSE THAT ARE DEAD, NOW! An Agreement must be reached with Hamas by Sunday Evening at SIX (6) P.M., Washington, D.C. time. Every Country has signed on! If this LAST CHANCE agreement is not reached, all HELL, like no one has ever seen before, will break out against Hamas. THERE WILL BE PEACE IN THE MIDDLE EAST ONE WAY OR THE OTHER.”
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