The Metropolitan Police has arrested a woman on suspicion of incitement to breach the conditions that the force put in place to control tomorrow’s pro-Palestine protest.
The woman, 61, was arrested today, and police said further investigations in relation to inciting people to breach conditions are ongoing.
“A 61-year-old woman was arrested on Friday afternoon on suspicion of inciting others to breach Public Order Act conditions,” a Met Police spokesperson.
It comes after reports that key organisers of the controversial Gaza march discussed their intention to defy police orders, which have explicitly prohibited any gatherings at the BBC’s Broadcasting House at Portland Place tomorrow.
“We are aware of other protest groups who are aligned with the Palestine Solidarity Campaign’s cause, who are still suggesting that they might try to march towards the BBC or form up away from Whitehall,” Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan told reporters.
“Our message to them is to abide by the conditions set by the gold commander. Officers are engaging with these groups where we have lines of communication, and where it isn't possible, we will intervene on the day, appropriately and proportionately.
“Anyone who breaches these conditions is committing an offence and may face arrest. Anyone who incites others to breach these conditions is also committing an offence and may also face arrest.”
It comes after Ismail Patel, Chairman of Friends of Al-Aqsa – one of the coalition partners organising the march – pledged to go on the march “if it means me going in the prison”.
In a recent development, the PSC has confirmed that its demonstration on Saturday will now be limited to a static protest outside Whitehall.
The Met has said that the demonstration, which will go on from 12 pm to 4:40 pm, is acceptable.
It comes after the PSC rejected the Met’s proposal of a new protest route, beginning at Russell Square and ending in Whitehall.
The police will be deploying 1100 officers for Saturday’s demonstration at several “key locations”, including officers from eight other forces.
There will be a “visible presence” of officers around Portland Place, the location of the BBC headquarters and Central Synagogue, where congregants have previously expressed concern being intimidated by protesters.
Leaders in the Jewish community have expressed gratitude to the Met for ensuring the safety of worshippers attending Shabbat services.
The Jewish Leadership Council, the Board of Deputies of British Jews and the Community Security Trust released a joint statement on Tuesday in support of the force’s position:
“This Saturday’s National March for Palestine must not take place in the vicinity of BBC given its proximity to a synagogue and the impact on worshippers,” the statement said.
"We support the right to peaceful protest and are not asking for this march to be banned.
"However, we support the Metropolitan Police in imposing conditions to protect those who are attending Central London synagogues. Other routes and days are available. This march must not be allowed in the vicinity of a synagogue at any time on Saturday.”
