The United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police has advised against a pro-Palestine protest planned for this weekend in central London, citing concerns over police resource allocation amid heightened tensions following a synagogue attack in Manchester. The planned demonstration by Defend Our Juries in Trafalgar Square supports the proscribed group Palestine Action. Police linked the protest to the recent violence and expressed worry over diverting officers during a sensitive time for London communities.
Pro-Palestine
The Palestinian Authority condemned violence targeting civilians and places of worship, emphasizing that support for Palestinians should not involve violent or anti-Semitic acts.
In a statement, the Met highlighted the fear caused by the recent Manchester terrorist attack and criticized the protest organizers for encouraging mass law-breaking that strains community safety efforts. The police urged the group to postpone or cancel the event to prioritize security.
United Kingdom’s Metropolitan Police
Pro-Palestine, Defend Our Juries intends to proceed with the march, which follows closely after police fatally shot a man responsible for deadly attacks near a Manchester synagogue, killing two members of the Jewish community. Authorities noted one victim might have been accidentally hit by police gunfire during the incident.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood also called for a pause in protests to allow the Jewish community to grieve and condemned those continuing to organize demonstrations. She described some recent protests as “fundamentally un-British” and dishonorable. Following a large protest outside Downing Street, about 40 arrests were made, including six for assaults on police officers.
