Six people have been charged following a pro-Palestine march in central London.
Demonstrators took to the streets of London once again on Saturday (November 4) calling to ‘Free Palestine’ amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Four police officers were hurt when fireworks were thrown in their direction, and one person was arrested on Sunday on suspicion of making antisemitic comments in Parliament Square.
Counter terrorism officers are also reviewing a pamphlet that it is claimed purports to support Hamas, which is a proscribed terrorist organisation under British law.
While the Metropolitan Police stated the majority of the march was peaceful, a senior officer said some breakaway groups' behaviour was "completely unacceptable" and officers' response was "quick and decisive".
More than 1,300 officers were on duty on Saturday to deal with the crowds. A total of 29 people were arrested, with six charged and set to appear in court.
Three people were charged with failing to comply with a condition under the Public Order Act 1986 that grants additional police powers if there is a “serious public disorder, serious damage to property or serious disruption to the life of the community”.
This includes Omar Abdelbagi, of Wembley Park Drive, Wembley. The 41-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (November 6).
Nzar Mohammed Sofi, 22, of Parkfield Crescent in Harrow, will also appear at the same court, but on November 22.
Dashiel Howarth, 25, of Woodgrange Road, Forest Gate, will appear at the court on November 22.
Two people were charged with failing to comply with a condition of the Act governing public assemblies.
They were Fintan Owens, 23, of no fixed abode. He will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court today (November 6).
Aisha Ennas, 39, of Lyons Place, will appear at the court on November 22.
Another man, Mohammed Chowdhury, of Sidney Street in Whitechapel, was charged with failing to comply with a police anti-social behaviour order, in which officers have increased powers to reduce members of the public being harassed, alarmed or distressed.
The 24-year-old will appear at the court on November 22.
Commander Karen Findlay, who is responsible for policing in London this week, said “One arrest has been made this morning for a public order offence after a man was allegedly heard making antisemitic comments in Parliament Square.
“We are continuing to review footage and will take positive action at every opportunity to arrest when we are alerted to crimes that are fuelled by hate.”
She said the Met had received intelligence that a pamphlet purported to support Hamas was on sale at the protest, and a copy of it is being reviewed by counter terrorism officers.
She continued: “Sadly we saw an increase in violence against police, most significantly when four officers were injured when fireworks were thrown in their direction. All bravely carried on in their duties.
“We will continue to be sharper in our response and take action on any placards being carried at protests which are inflammatory and incite racial hatred, or purport to be supporting a proscribed organisation.
“These are offences and any such banners or material will be assessed by the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command.”
Commander Findlay added that the Met has been speaking to the organisers of the march to discuss Saturday’s demonstrations and will continue to speak to them this week as part of planning for the weekend’s Remembrance events.
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