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Following the arrest of nearly 500 protesters, the government has announced plans to grant police forces the authority to impose conditions on repeat protests. The new powers will allow senior officers to evaluate the “cumulative impact” of previous demonstrations, potentially resulting in the relocation of events if a specific site has been the site of repeated protests. Individuals who violate these conditions will face the risk of arrest and prosecution. In light of the recent attack at a synagogue in Manchester, police forces across England and Wales are providing additional support to the 538 synagogues and Jewish community sites nationwide.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood emphasized the importance of balancing the fundamental right to protest with the freedom of citizens to live without fear. Large and frequent protests can instill feelings of fear and intimidation among communities, particularly religious groups, which is why the new measures are being introduced. Mahmood highlighted the concerns within the Jewish community, prompting a review of current protest legislation to ensure consistent application of powers. The review will also explore the possibility of banning protests entirely.
Protesters demonstrating against the ban on the proscribed group Palestine Action were predominantly targeted for arrest during the recent protests in Trafalgar Square. Organisers Defend Our Juries reported around 1,000 individuals participating in the demonstrations. The group has faced increased scrutiny since its outlawing by former home secretary Yvette Cooper, with many arrests made for displaying support for Palestine Action through signs. Despite calls to cancel Saturday’s protest following the synagogue attack, Defend Our Juries defended their stance, urging police to focus on real terrorism threats rather than enforcing the ban.
Acknowledging the need for enhanced security measures, the home secretary will correspond with chief constables to urge the utilization of all available powers to prevent and address public disorder. Collaboration between police forces and the Community Security Trust, a charity dedicated to safeguarding Jewish communities from terrorism and anti-Semitism, aims to reassure and support the Jewish community. Concurrently, the Board of Deputies of British Jews will hold a commemorative event in preparation for the upcoming anniversary of the attacks on southern Israel
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