Police have confirmed that four individuals have been arrested at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in London on suspicion of terrorism offences.
Three individuals, a man in his 30s, a woman in her 50s, and another woman in her 30s, were apprehended by officers around 4pm on Saturday. They were eventually transported to a police station in west London for further questioning.
Pro-Palestine Protest in London, UK
A 49-year-old individual from south London was apprehended by officers around 3 pm on Sunday. The arrest was made on suspicion of inviting support for a proscribed organization.
All four individuals have been granted bail and are required to report back to a police station in west London in late March. Authorities conducted searches at four different locations in south-east Kent, South Yorkshire, west London, and south London.
A large number of individuals reportedly participated in Saturday's rally, commencing at Bank Junction in the heart of London at midday. The rally proceeded through Fleet Street and Victoria Embankment, ultimately reaching Parliament Square.
According to reports, a significant number of police officers, approximately 1,700, were deployed by the Met for the recent Pro-Palestine march in the city. This marked the first major demonstration of its kind in the city this year.
Counter Terrorism Command detectives collaborated with policing colleagues to investigate and address suspected terrorism offenses over the weekend.
This latest investigation is part of a series of approximately 30 inquiries initiated by the Met Counter Terrorism Command to look into potential criminal activity at protests. The focus of these investigations primarily revolves around possible terrorism-related offenses, Daily Mail reported.
Protests against the war in Gaza have swept across the UK since it started in October. A large demonstration took place over the weekend in London, as thousands of people gathered to demand an immediate ceasefire.
Israel-Hamas War
The Metropolitan Police has announced that it is implementing additional measures in response to the indication that the plot against the LSE may be part of a larger coordinated effort.
According to Commander Dominic Murphy, the leader of the Met Counter Terrorism Command, the majority of individuals participating in protests are peacefully expressing their views.
"There are consequences for those who are not and where officers see people supporting proscribed organizations we will take action, as we did this weekend."
Per Sky News, former home secretary Suella Braverman joined pro-Israel protesters in London on Sunday, as the world observed 100 days since Israel's war with Hamas started.
