By James Simons-
A pro-Palestinian demonstration that drew tens of thousands of participants to the streets of London resulted in multiple arrests and the issuance of penalty notices for disorder (PND) amid growing international concern over the situation in Israel and Gaza.
The Metropolitan Police had previously indicated that certain areas of London would fall under a legal power, requiring individuals to remove items concealing their identity, such as scarves and masks.
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As the pro-Palestinian demonstrators marched through central London, tensions flared, leading to legal actions against a number of participants.
A 23-year-old man, Abdul Hlaiyil, was among those arrested and charged with a public order offence. Hlaiyil is now scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 13, where he will face the legal consequences of his alleged actions.
In addition to Hlaiyil’s arrest, a 20-year-old man from Waltham Forest received a penalty notice for disorder (PND) for discharging a firework in a public place, an action that posed significant risks to public safety.
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Another man, 68-year-old Robert McKenzie from Long Stratton was charged with intentionally causing racially aggravated harassment, alarm or distress after he allegedly made racist comments to people gathered in Whitehall and police arrested him.
He was carrying a Union Jack at the time but police have said this was “in no way” the reason for his arrest.
He has been bailed and will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on November 2.
The demonstration itself, while mostly peaceful, experienced isolated incidents of disorder that led to the deployment of the legal provisions designed to maintain public order.
A total of 15 individuals were arrested during the pro-Palestinian demonstration, and the police levied criminal charges against three of them. Among those charged are individuals accused of assaulting an emergency worker and possession of a firework in a public place.
A third charge was related to failing to comply with the requirement to remove a face covering, a measure intended to ensure public safety and accountability.
In an effort to address the participation of younger demonstrators in the event, police have referred three youths to youth offending teams.
These referrals correspond to offenses including assaulting an emergency worker, possession of a firework in a public place, and failure to comply with the face-covering requirement, a stern stance on public safety and order.
The police continue to scrutinize evidence from the demonstration, including photographic and video material, to identify any further criminal offenses that might have been committed.
The efforts are particularly focused on the conduct of four men who have been released on bail.
Among these individuals, three were arrested on suspicion of assaulting an emergency worker, while the fourth faces allegations of threatening behavior.
A spokesperson for the police emphasized the commitment to upholding law and order, saying, “There is no place for hate in London, and we will use the law to ensure anyone who engages in such behavior is held to account.”
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