Members of Radnor Palestine Links said they were “horrified” by the “heavy-handed and aggressive behaviour” of the Metropolitan Police after London’s static march in support of Palestinians.
On Saturday, January 18, thousands gathered in London to express support for Palestinians, before a ceasefire came into force on Sunday, January 19, but the static march soon resulted in charges, after The Metropolitan Police said there was a "coordinated effort" to breach plans put in place to stop the march going from Portland Place.
Those gathering intended to march peacefully together, to reiterate that that until the Israeli forces withdraw totally from Gaza and the West Bank there can be no peace or justice for Palestinians. Instead the police banned the march from going anywhere near the BBC, and those gathered were told they could only hold a static protest at Whitehall.
Police cited that the BBC headquarters are too near a local synagogue and any protest might upset Jewish believers celebrating the Sabbath. Members of Radnor Palestine Links say that other demonstrations were not banned, and the peaceful protesters were subjected to verbal abuse from a small group of Jewish Zionists and others waving Union Jacks who also gathered near Westminster and were allowed to stay.
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Individuals who went near the BBC were told to move, or arrested immediately, one being RPL member, Angie Zelter.
Radnor Palestine Links member Kate McClean, from Knucklas, who was on the march, said: “These marches are not ‘hate marches’ as they have been labelled by some. People of all faiths and none – including many Jewish people – have come together in peace to show our concern. Gaza is now rubble – there are no safe homes for people to return to. Hospitals are still not functioning, there is insufficient clean water or food. Entire families have been wiped out. We have to remind our government of its obligations under international law to protect human rights and not to be complicit in genocide in Gaza or anywhere else in the world.”
The Metropolitan Police have been approached for comment.