A prominent anti-Hamas activist has been arrested after being filmed waving a banana at pro-Palestine protesters.
Niyak Ghorbani, 38, was accused of making a racist gesture with a banana while standing with counter protesters in central London last Saturday.
The Iranian dissident, who consistently carries “Hamas Are Terrorists” banners, denies he was being racist and instead claimed he was simply eating the fruit.
However, Gohrbani was handcuffed and led away by five officers after pro-Palestine protesters outside Barclays Bank in Tottenham Court Road complained to police.
Niyak Ghorbani was accused of making a racist gesture with a banana while standing with counter protesters in central London last Saturday
YOUTUBE/MAHYAR TOUSI
The 38-year-old was bailed on condition he does not enter Camden or Westminster.
He is also barred from attending any pro-Palestine demonstration.
Gohrbani is seeking legal advice in order to challenge the bail conditions.
He previously had a successful bid to have them removed.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Niyak Ghorbani has been arrested several times
XFootage from the demonstration last weekened showed Ghorbani eating a banana and later waving another one in the air alongside his England flag.
Tensions flared as Ghordbani offered the uneaten banana to a protester wearing a Palestinian scarf around his face.
Another clip showed the Iranian dissident having his flag taken away.
Other counter-protesters around him can be seen holding placards reading “No Hostages; No Ceasefire. Openly pro-Israel”.
Niyak Ghorbani waving a banana
YOUTUBE/MAYHAR TOUSI
The march later moved into the direction of University College London.
Ghordbani added: “I never showed a banana to a black person. I did not see any black person there, and this is completely a fabricated issue.
“I am a foreigner myself and have never racially insulted anyone.
“I was only using it like they do in America to make fun of the pro-Palestinian protestors.”
The Metropolitan Police previously tried to ban Ghorbani from going near any demonstrations in central London and the conflict in Gaza.
Scotland Yard said: “A man was arrested on suspicion of a racially aggravated offence under section 4a of the Public Order Act, during a protest in Camden Borough on May 4.
“The arrest was made after officers received reports that a man in the crowd had made racist gestures at people gathered at the location.”
It added: “The arrest was not made in relation to any signs, placards or flags being displayed as part of the protest. The man has been released on bail pending further enquiries.”
