LAW STOPS POLICE HALTING ANTISEMITIC PROTESTS – Legal limits cited as officers say powers are restricted when protests fall within law
A British Law is preventing police from stopping anti-Semitic protests, according to senior Police officers, who say that current legislation limits their ability to intervene unless criminal thresholds are met.
Sir Mark Rowley, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, said he was “concerned” that protesters could “stir up racial hatred” in the UK without facing sanctions as long as they avoided a direct terror threat and steered clear of supporting a proscribed group.
Officers argue hateful language can fall short of charges while still causing harm and fear, but pro Jewish groups say the situation leaves communities feeling unprotected during demonstrations, claiming that the statement chanted “From the river to the sea, Palestine shall be free!” is clearly promoting genocide – the complete removal of Jews from the Jewish state.
The government says existing laws already balance free speech with public safety, but opposition figures are calling for a review of protest and public order legislation, as its not up to dealing with these antisemitic protestors, advocating another genocide of the Jews.
Police leaders have warned that tensions could rise further without clearer legal powers for them to act.
