Why the need to cover up ?

Perhaps because they don't want to encounter unhinged ex IDF soldiers like this? who felt entitled to racially abuse (including pulling her Hijab off) a woman at Whitechapel Station. He even lurched towards the woman recording, as if to hit her before other people stepped in.

https://x.com/KerryBurgess/status/1794442756347015588

trigger warning he says some disgusting Islamaphobic things.

You tell me. I really don't know it.

Do not patronise me with your conspiracy theory slur.
Tell me the chants that are pro Hamas.

I am in those marches and I can categorically tell you I am not pro Hamas.
But you said it and 'meant' it so it must be fact.

@NecessaryNC24 calling all Pro-Palestinian protestors 'pro-Hamas' is as ridiculous as calling all those who support Israel as 'pro-genocide'

There's been millions of marchers, are you saying they are all pro-Hamas?

That's so creepy! I'm sorry that happened. It's unnecessary, too. Attending peaceful protests isn't against the law, there shouldn't a photo of you on file at all! When I was at a protest last week, I spotted a police officer with what I believe to be a facial recognition camera. That was a bit unsettling.

You're right about that, I see where he got it from. Although I am also surprised she outed him like that, but I guess hateful bigots aren't the brightest bunch. What really upsets me, was the lack of police response. The attack lasted for hours, it's a miracle noone was killed! The police were quick to tackle middle aged professors to the ground, but do nothing when violent mob attacks the students! It's insane! 😡

If you mean the UK, I have some bad news on that front related to freedom of protest and other matters that many seemingly think only happen in the DPRK.

When I was a young teenager a police officer told my parents he saw a photo of me at a protest against the war in Iraq in a police file. I don't cover my face at protests but I am not thrilled to know that the police keep my photo on file when I exercise some basic democratic rights. So covering one's face is probably wise in many cases.

@NecessaryNC24 equally, a question one could pose would be 'why do protestors sometimes openly show their faces?' when they know it could open them up to having their day to day lives impacted simply by exercising their right to share their views?
If some believe the reasons why people cover their faces in marches etc is they're ashamed, I think it's the opposite. Obviously they don't want to be personally singled out by those who opposed their views. In the protest marches, people are acting as one of many. Their cause and purpose is more important than one person's identity being obvious.

@10UsernamesNotAvailableTryAnotherOne at least his mummy is proud of him. Guess the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Although she probably should have considered the implications of outing her son and his criminal conduct to the world.

Why were pro Israeli protesters wearing face coverings this week? Presumably to protect their identity which is their right.

Are you outraged about that?

Why don't you ask this guy?

https://edition.cnn.com/2024/05/16/us/ucla-student-protests-counterprotesters-invs/index.html

And we're protesting to stop the genocide against the Palestinians, not in support of Hamas.

@Hugosmaid are you bored? Has it been too long since someone has put down the Palestinians?
Have you been on the marches or have you just watched the carefully filmed footage? I have been to every single one and the large majority actually do not wear masks.
Don't play the Hamas card. You know full well what the marches are about. If you don't, come along and see for yourself and listen to the speeches. If you are Jewish you will be welcomed and treated with respect. Many Jewish men wearing the yarmulke/kippha march with us.

I keep telling myself not to respond to these threads as you really don't want an answer. You just want to goad and insult.

Exactly

Pro- Hamas 🙄
If you look at all the marches that have taken place then there's well over a million participants.
Are you saying they are all pro Hamas?

@NecessaryNC24 , why do you presume there are pro-Hamas supporters on mn that can answer you? I've never seen any.

People have lost their jobs for being Pro Palestinian. Lots of people regard pro Palestinian protesters as mobs of antisemitic Hamas supporters, if my boss was one of those I would probably hide my face too. You only have to see the hostility here on mumsnet to know that it is true. Thread after thread insulting those who stand up for Palestine, really vile, nasty stuff. Since this conflict started standing against war crimes and crimes against humanity has suddenly become controversial, some people want to protect themselves and their families and I don't blame them.

You seem very angry, @Hugosmaid , and I'm not sure why that anger is being directed at me, when all I've said is an explanation of why people on protests (of all sorts) might choose to wear face coverings.