UK Metropolitan Police arrest 9 for displaying pro-Palestinian banner alleged to be antisemitic News
Leonhard Lenz, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
UK Metropolitan Police arrest 9 for displaying pro-Palestinian banner alleged to be antisemitic

The UK Metropolitan Police stated Tuesday they arrested nine people for displaying a pro-Palestinian banner outside a house in London. This is the most recent police action since then Home Secretary Suella Braverman ordered on October 10 police to increase their scrutiny on displays of Palestinian support amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

In a post on the platform X (formerly Twitter) the Metropolitan Police Service said, “Officers have removed the banner from the building in Park Square near Regent’s Park. A number of people have been arrested. We remain at the scene and will share further details later.” Officers later confirmed that “9 people were arrested under Section 18 of the Public Order Act” for displaying a banner which read “Globalize the Intifada.”

Under Section 18 of the Public Order Act, it is an offense to “use[] threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or displays [of] any written material which is threatening, abusive or insulting” if the individual intended “to stir up racial hatred.”

Users of the social media platform were quick to point out that the phrase “Globalize the Intifada” is a politically-charged slogan that emerged in the context of the Israeli-Hamas war. The term “Intifada” refers to two major uprisings by Palestinians against Israeli occupation: the First Intifada (1987-1993) and the Second Intifada (2000-2005). The phrase is thought to suggest the desire to internationalize and expand the resistance movement beyond the borders of the Palestinian territories. The American Jewish Committee explained the phrase, writing:

The most prominent expressions of intifada have been through violence so this phrase is often understood by those saying and hearing it as encouraging violence against Israelis, Jews, and institutions supporting Israel. While the intent of the person saying this phrase may be different, the impact on the Jewish community remains the same.

The Tuesday arrest marks another string of protests and increased politically-charged rhetoric since the Israeli-Hamas war broke out on October 7. Since the start of the war, activism erupt across the world. There has also been an uptick in antisemitic and Islamophobic hate across the UK.

JURIST has reached out to the Met Police for comment but is yet to receive a response.

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