Police urged to reconsider forceful approach during Palestine protests, with concerns raised that harsh tactics could suppress free expression.
In a stark warning, Britain's human rights watchdog, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), has expressed concerns over heavy-handed policing of protests related to Palestine. The EHRC fears that such tactics could create a "chilling effect" on the right to protest, a fundamental democratic liberty protected under human rights law.
The concern arises following incidents where protesters have been arrested or threatened with arrest for displaying Palestinian flags or signs, such as "Free Gaza" and "Israel is committing genocide." In some cases, these actions have been associated with banned organizations like Palestine Action, even where no support for such groups was expressed.
Over 700 people have been arrested since July 2025 for peaceful protests, with more than 70 charged under terrorism-related offenses. Amnesty International has criticized these actions as disproportionate and treating peaceful protesters like terrorists.
The implications for free speech and human rights protections are significant. Heavy-handed tactics and broad crackdowns may deter individuals from exercising their right to peaceful protest due to fear of arrest or harassment. This could potentially violate Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protect the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, underpinning democratic healthy debate and activism.
Overuse of counter-terrorism powers against peaceful demonstrators risks criminalizing legitimate dissent and undermines public confidence in police proportionality and human rights obligations. The EHRC and human rights groups urge police and government to respect and protect protest rights, warning that failing to do so threatens democracy itself.
Baroness Kishwer Falkner, the EHRC chairwoman, stated that the notion of peaceful demonstrations attracting disproportionate police attention undermines confidence in human rights protections. One such report involves a woman who was threatened with arrest under the Terrorism Act for holding a Palestinian flag and signs saying 'Free Gaza' and 'Israel is committing genocide.'
The EHRC has written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Met Police commissioner Sir Mark Rowley regarding these concerns. The Home Office has referred to Ms Cooper's previous statement about last week's march, stating that the right to protest is protected, but supporting Palestine Action is different as it is a proscribed organization. Palestine Action, which was proscribed by the UK Government in July, making membership or support a criminal offense punishable by up to 14 years in prison under the Terrorism Act 2000, denies the accusations made by Downing Street, stating they are false and defamatory.
The Metropolitan Police has announced that 60 more people will be prosecuted for showing support for the proscribed terrorist group Palestine Action. Prosecutions under the Terrorism Act will have real-life consequences, including restrictions on travel and certain professions. Protesters were accused of deliberately getting arrested to overwhelm police resources and the courts.
The EHRC has urged Government and police authorities to ensure that all officers receive clear and consistent guidance on their human rights obligations regarding protests. Hundreds of protesters held placards declaring support for Palestine Action during the chaotic London march last Saturday. The total number of arrests related to Palestine Action protests since July 7 has risen to over 700, with more than 532 arrests in a single day last Saturday.
The cost of these arrests is estimated to be around £3 million. This woman reportedly told police she did not support any proscribed organizations. Kent Police confirmed receiving correspondence after the woman took legal action against the force. The EHRC, the guardian of human rights in Britain, is calling for proportionate policing to ensure that democratic freedoms essential to society are not undermined.
- The concerns raised by the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) extend beyond heavy-handed policing of protests related to Palestine, as they also fear the impact of such tactics on other forms of peaceful protest, such as those advocating for general news, crime-and-justice, or political issues.
- In light of the escalating arrests and charges, particularly under terrorism-related offenses, the EHRC urges the British government to reevaluate their use of counter-terrorism powers, as it risks criminalizing legitimate dissent and undermining democratic freedoms, including the rights to free speech, travel, and assembly.
- The EHRC's call for proportionate policing is backed by concerns about the potential economic impact of the heavy-handed tactics, with estimates suggesting that the cost of these arrests could reach millions, straining public resources that could be directed towards promoting overall health and welfare.
