Rights watchdog warns against heavy-handed policing amid Gaza demos

Britain’s human rights watchdog has warned against “heavy-handed policing” which it said risks a “chilling effect” on protest rights amid recent demonstrations about the war in Gaza.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley to remind them that the “right to protest is a cornerstone of any healthy democracy”.

The letter, from EHRC chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner, raised concerns about “reports of police engagement with individuals participating in forms of protest that are not linked to any proscribed organisation”.

The commission referenced a report by the Guardian newspaper about a woman said to have been threatened with arrest under the Terrorism Act for holding a Palestinian flag and signs saying “Free Gaza” and “Israel is committing genocide”.

The woman was reportedly told by police that her demonstration in Canterbury, Kent, in July expressed views supportive of Palestine Action, an organisation which has been banned by the Government.

The woman said neither of her signs mentioned Palestine Action and that she had told police she did not support any proscribed organisations.

“Case-by-case”

Baroness Falkner said any interference with protest rights “must be lawful and assessed case-by-case”.

She added: “Heavy-handed policing or blanket approaches risk creating a chilling effect, deterring citizens from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly through fear of possible consequences.

“This concern extends beyond those directly affected by police engagement to the broader health of our democracy, because the perception that peaceful protest may attract disproportionate police attention undermines confidence in our human rights protections.”

The EHRC said Government and police authorities must “ensure that all officers receive clear and consistent guidance on their human rights obligations” when it comes to protests.

“This guidance should ensure that the appropriate balance is maintained between public safety and the protection of essential human rights,” Baroness Falkner added.

Terrorism Act

Palestine Action was proscribed by the UK Government in July, with the ban meaning that membership of, or support for, the group is a criminal offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison, under the Terrorism Act 2000.

More than 500 people were arrested last weekend on suspicion of displaying an item in support of a proscribed group, as demonstrations took place in central London.

Downing Street has described Palestine Action as “violent” and said it has committed “significant injury” as well as criminal damage, adding that evidence and security assessments shared in closed court supported its proscription.

Palestine Action said Downing Street’s accusations were “false and defamatory” and “disproven by the Government’s own intelligence assessment”.