Palestinian protesters FINALLY face police crackdown as warning issued ahead of march
Palestine protesters will take to the streets again this weekend
PA
Pro-Palestinian protesters marching through London this weekend will be handed leaflets warning them they will be arrested if they break hate laws.
The leaflets will make clear that any banners, placards or chants that incite hatred will not be tolerated. They will also be told that if they do not disperse after the demonstration, they risk arrest.
Senior Metropolitan Police officers are doubling down after several weeks of pro-Palestinian protests over the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Saturday will see a large march through central London organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign along with a protest outside the Egyptian Embassy organised by Hizb-ut-Tahrir, a controversial which sparked outrage by calling for 'jihad' at an anti-Israel protests.
WATCH: Chaos at previous Palestine protests
On Sunday, around 50,000 people are expected to take part in a London march organised by the Campaign Against Antisemitism.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan who is in charge of this weekend's policing operation in the capital said Met officers would not hesitate to arrest any pro-Palestinian protesters who incite hatred or show support for Hamas or any other terrorist organisation.
1500 officers will be involved in the operation across both days. The Met says it has brought in help from forces across the UK due to the strain on its resources caused by the ongoing protests.
DAC Adelekan urged any member of the public who "sees behaviour that has crossed line into criminality to report it".
Police have been accused of being too soft on previous Palestine marches
PA
Placards which do not display antisemitic messages will still be allowed
PA
He added that Arabic speakers would be assisting his officers on the ground and in the main policing operations centre to monitor chants at Hizb-ut-Tahrir protests. He warned that any "anything intimidating or antisemitic" would lead to arrest.
The Met is promising what is calls "robust intervention from officers" especially if there is any risk to the Cenotaph or other war memorials.
Last week pro-Palestinian demonstrators climbed on to the Royal Artillery Memorial on Hyde Park Corner.
The Met was criticised for failing to making any arrests.
DAC Adelekan signalled a toughening up of the Met's approach: "If someone climbs on a memorial and commits criminal damage or disorderly behaviour, we will intervene there and then."
The Met will also be using facial recognition technology to identify repeat offenders and speed up arrests.
DAC Adelekan pledged to put "all the protection necessary" around Sunday's march against antisemitism, adding: "Jewish people should feel safe to go into Central London this weekend".
You may like
