Police officers from the Metropolitan department will distribute pamphlets to protesters in order to clearly outline what actions will be considered a violation, as a large crowd of over 100,000 individuals is anticipated to participate in a march supporting Palestine this upcoming Saturday.
Over 1,500 officers will be present in London as the Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) leads a march from Park Lane to Whitehall in opposition to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Metropolitan police has announced that an additional 500 officers from outside of London will also be on duty.
Police officers will hand out flyers cautioning protesters against engaging in racist behavior and promoting terrorism. They emphasize that while most people are following the regulations, a small number have gone too far.
According to the pamphlet, in order to prevent being confined to our cells, protesters should refrain from using language that is discriminatory or encourages animosity towards any religion. This includes expressions that endorse Hamas or other prohibited groups, as well as those that glorify or endorse acts of terrorism, such as targeting or abducting innocent individuals.
According to the statement, individuals participating in protests should dispose of any signs or placards that may violate these regulations.
Individuals are also cautioned against vandalizing or harming statues, monuments, or any other property.
According to section 12 of the Public Order Act, the Met has stated that the procession cannot begin before 12:30pm and all participants must not gather at Park Lane before this designated time.
All participants are required to stay on the designated route and not deviate from it.
The assembly, organized by the PSC, must conclude by 5pm. The force also stated that no participant should enter the vicinity of the Israeli embassy.
The Hizb ut-Tahrir group has organized a static protest at the Egyptian embassy on South Street for Saturday afternoon, from 1pm to 3.30pm.
Attendees have been instructed to stay within a specified zone during the demonstration.
The Campaign Against Antisemitism is hosting a march against antisemitism on Sunday, starting at 1:30pm outside the Royal Courts of Justice on the Strand.
The Met’s deputy assistant commissioner, Ade Adelekan, will be in charge of the police operation this weekend. He stated, “We have gained a better understanding of the overall impact of these protests since seven weeks ago, and this is reflected in our strategy.”
“The Met supports the right for people to make their voices heard through protest providing it is done lawfully. However, the law also protects people from racist and religious abuse and prohibits the promotion of terrorism.
“Although most demonstrators have followed these regulations, a small group has overstepped boundaries.”
According to him, the Met had a cooperative working relationship with organizers, including the PSC, in order to make sure that everyone was aware of the police’s expectations.
“We are delighted that the PSC has increased the number of stewards and has committed to clearly communicating expectations for supporter behavior.”
The police department stated that they will assign trained individuals to watch for illegal behavior, such as signs and clothing with inflammatory language, and to identify the perpetrators.
Protests have been occurring in various locations throughout the UK every weekend since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7th, following an attack by Hamas on Israel.
Source: theguardian.com
