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Gaza activists claim ‘state racism’

March 4, 2010 16:03
Hitting out: supporters of rioters who clashed with police outside the Israeli Embassy last January say the jail terms handed out are “extraordinary”

By

Marcus Dysch,

Marcus Dysch

1 min read

Supporters of pro-Palestinian demonstrators jailed for their roles in violent protests outside the Israeli Embassy say the sentences are a result of "state racism" against Muslims.

At least 22 people have so far been handed jail terms ranging from eight months to two and a half years. More are awaiting sentencing.

Thousands attended demonstrations outside the Israeli Embassy in Kensington in January last year. More than 60 were later charged, the majority with public order offences.

Police said protesters threw placards and sticks and kicked officers. One group entered a branch of Starbucks close to the embassy and threw mugs at police.