Protesters chanting “globalise the intifada” will now be arrested because the “context has changed” in the wake of the terror attack at a Jewish festival in Sydney, the heads of the Greater Manchester and Metropolitan police forces have announced.
Surviving suspect Naveed Akram, 24, has been charged with 15 counts of murder and committing a terrorist attack following the incident in Sydney, Australia, on Sunday.
Akram and his father Sajid, 50, are accused of opening fire on crowds of more than 1,000 people as they celebrated Hanukkah in the Archer Park area of Bondi Beach on Sunday evening.
The police forces’ announcement comes after chief rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis previously said it had to be made clear slogans such as “globalise the intifada” are “unlawful”. Now, the two forces have said they will “act decisively and make arrests”, adding that the measures were designed to “deter intimidation”.
Greater Manchester’s Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson and Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said in a joint statement: “The words and chants used, especially in protests, matter and have real world consequences. We have consistently been advised by the CPS that many of the phrases causing fear in Jewish communities don’t meet prosecution thresholds. Now, in the escalating threat context, we will recalibrate to be more assertive.
“We know communities are concerned about placards and chants such as ‘globalise the intifada’ and those using it at future protest or in a targeted way should expect the Met and GMP to take action.
“Violent acts have taken place, the context has changed – words have meaning and consequence. We will act decisively and make arrests.
“Frontline officers will be briefed on this enhanced approach. We will also use powers under the Public Order Act, including conditions around London synagogues during services.”
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