Police must answer for ‘unlawful’ arrests at London Palestine protest, says Amnesty
'Amnesty international seriously concerned by police conduct at and following last Saturday’s Gaza protest in Whitehall,' says Amnesty International

LONDON
Amnesty International on Tuesday raised concerns over the Metropolitan Police’s handling of last Saturday’s End the Genocide in Gaza protest in London, where dozens of demonstrators were arrested.
The human rights organization has questioned the legality of police actions, warning that the crackdown may have violated the right to peaceful protest.
The demonstration, held the day before a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect, saw thousands gather in London to express solidarity with Palestinians.
However, police blocked plans for a march from Portland Place to Whitehall, limiting protesters to a static demonstration.
Mass arrests, legal concerns
More than 70 pro-Palestinian protesters have been arrested in Trafalgar Square on suspicion of breaching protest conditions.
The Metropolitan Police defended their actions, claiming there was a "coordinated effort" to breach restrictions imposed on the rally. However, protest organizers have vehemently denied this claim.
Among those facing charges is Ben Jamal, director of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, who has been accused of public order offenses. He is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates' Court on 21 February.
It has also emerged that independent MPs Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell were voluntarily interviewed under caution by police following the rally.
‘Serious questions for police’
In response to the arrests and heavy-handed policing, Kerry Moscogiuri, campaigns and communications director at Amnesty International UK, said: “Amnesty International is seriously concerned by police conduct at and following last Saturday’s ‘End the Genocide’ in Gaza protest in Whitehall.”
She highlighted Amnesty’s prior warnings regarding police restrictions, saying: “In the run-up to the protest, we voiced concern about police imposing restrictions that risked unnecessary and disproportionate interference with demonstrators’ rights, which appeared to rely on legal powers that the High Court previously ruled to be unlawful but have been left in effect while awaiting an appeal.”
Moscogiuri also called for accountability, demanding answers regarding the legal basis for the arrests.
“There are now serious questions for the police to answer about their behaviour at Saturday’s protest and the lawful basis for the arrests of large numbers of peaceful demonstrators,” she said.
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