to think that just because you say something about Israel and Gaza does not mean that you should be threatened with arrest under the terrorism act?

[cakeorwine]

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jul/17/armed-police-threatened-to-arrest-kent-protester-for-holding-palestinian-flag

She had a sign saying "Free Gaza" and "Israel is committing genocide"

She was threatened with arrest under the terrorism act because a certain group that has been deemed to be a terrorist group also share those same views - and therefore the lady was supporting a terrorist group.

In the encounter, which she filmed, one officer told her: “Mentioning freedom of Gaza, Israel, genocide, all of that all come under proscribed groups, which are terror groups that have been dictated by the government.”

He went on to say that the phrase “Free Gaza” was “supportive of Palestine Action”, adding it was an offence “to express an opinion or belief that is supportive of a proscribed organisation, namely Palestine Action is an offence under section 12(1A) of the Terrorism Act”. The officer told her she had committed that offence.

I can think of many groups who share those same beliefs. Having that belief does not mean you support that group.

A Kent police spokesperson said: “Under the Terrorism Act it is a criminal offence to carry or display items that may arouse reasonable suspicion that an individual is a member or supporter of a proscribed organisation such as Palestine Action.”

Calling for the end of an entity such as an army is disgraceful? But not the deliberate murder of scores of children by that same entity? Wow. Outrageous lack of humanity on show there.

What a thoroughly vile post.

It's not deliberate and it's not murder.

Protests aren't illegal. But the content of these protests can be classed as hate speech , which is illegal. You can't attend a protest with the idea you can chant what you like.

You will notice that I talked about Section 12 of the UK Terrorist act. Not about hate speech

The police have clarified that it is not illegal under Section 12 of the UK Terrorist Act to express a view about Gaza.

So it's not about other things that could be illegal under other leglisation

Staggering whataboutery.

I've said in other threads I think it's horrific and on this one my thoughts are with those in Gaza.

Calling for the death of the IDF is disgusting. Many are just teenagers who had no choice and are psychologically scarred by the things they have seen.

Would you call for the death of all Germans who fought in the war or is it just Jews?

Absolutely vile.

Well what is it then ???

I spent an hour today as I have pretty much every Saturday since Oct 2023 in my nearest town centre with a placard calling for ceasefire in Gaza. Numbers vary, there are usually a core of about 25 - 30 of us. Its a town popular with tourists, this week we've had Germans and Americans join us, and also some folk from other parts of the UK. So in total about 50 folk. All very peaceful, no police presence (although I did wonder).

I've done this and other similar protests since I was 15 or so, I'm 60 now. I won't stop and eventually if I get arrested, then so be it. I'd rather not, but standing up, peacefully, for what I believe in is not something that I am prepared to have taken away from me.

Pathetic this government has lost the plot . Regret voting for them but no better alternative.

Self defence. What would you do if you knew you and your family wanted to be obliterated? So Israel stops fighting - do you see a happy ending for its people?

What's starving the civilian population then? Self defence as well?

The IDF shooting women and children who are queueing for aid is self defence? Do you think that Israel should keep fighting until every Palestinian is dead?

No, it's entering into warfare and it's not Israel misdirecting fundamental aids.

You could argue same for Palestine though. Where does it end? Both of them obliterating each other untill no one is left?

I don't support Israel or Palestine. I just want the needless murder of innocent babies and children to stop. Don't you?

No, I think they should stand fast and not lose their nerve. Luckily, a bunch of middle class westerners haven't affected their attention in saving their own people. Do I think the remaining hostages are alive? Absolutely not. However, if Israel stops being offensive, they know 7/10 will happen all over again..

Stand fast and not lose their nerve in killing innocent children seeking aid? Thats sick. Beyond sick.

I feel for any vulnerable victim in this war - no matter what their allegiances.

No, Stand fast and not lose their nerve. Are you saying Palestinian lives are worth more than Jewish - isn't that what has been parroted for 19 months?

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c20rvdexj8jo

Madness, you'd think our police have actual criminals to deal with. You know actual crimes. Shame the police are too over stretched to target actual criminals like rapists, paedophiles and murderers who are still roaming our streets, but luckily 96 people who don't want babies starved to death are in the cells tonight!

I'm sorry are innocent babies, women and children being starved, burned alive and blown up in Israel too then?

Yes Hamas is abhorrent, but Israel is just as bad.
Where does it end?
Are you okay with every single Palestinian dead? Will that be enough justice for you?

1 Palestinian civilian' life is worth no more and no less than 1 Israeli civilian life. That being so, the Israeli burden of murder is a significant multiple of that of Hamas on October 7th. Both parties are abhorrent.

The white middle class Western trope dragged out again.
The majority of the world's population, not middle class Westerners, do not agree with Israeli actions in Gaza.

🙄

Oh the irony and quit with the personal attacks.