We write as British Palestinian citizens and residents of the UK to express our grave concern regarding the arrests and charges brought against participants in the rally organised by the Palestine coalition on 18 January 2025. Specifically, the bringing of charges against Chief Steward Chris Nineham and PSC Director Ben Jamal marks a disproportionate and dangerous curtailment of the right to peaceful assembly and protest. This development has profound implications for the British Palestinian community and its ongoing struggle for justice.

The right to protest has long been central to democratic life in Britain, serving as the bedrock of movements for justice. Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, incorporated into domestic law via the Human Rights Act 1998, explicitly protect the rights to freedom of expression and assembly, obliging public bodies to respect and facilitate peaceful protest. However, the increasing erosion of these rights through new legislation and restrictive policing tactics represents a fundamental threat to democracy.

The events surrounding the Palestine rally illustrate this concerning trend. Despite an established record of overwhelmingly peaceful pro-Palestinian protests, the Metropolitan Police imposed excessive restrictions, preventing the demonstration from assembling near or marching toward the BBC. The lack of compelling evidence for these restrictions strongly suggests politically motivated interference aimed at undermining the protest’s impact and shielding state institutions from legitimate criticism.

Moreover, the bringing of charges against Chris Nineham, Ben Jamal and others, is deeply troubling. Video evidence contradicts the factual claims upon which these charges were based, raising serious questions about the misuse of police powers. This escalation highlights a broader pattern of targeting anti-war and pro-Palestinian demonstrations, creating a chilling effect on the right to protest for those advocating justice for Palestinians.

The British Palestinian community is disproportionately affected by these measures. For many, public demonstrations are an essential means of expressing solidarity, raising awareness, and calling attention to the ongoing injustices faced by Palestinians. The curtailment of these rights, combined with the policing of protests in a manner that appears politically motivated, not only undermines democratic freedoms but also silences voices advocating for justice and human rights.

We join the calls from the Joint Committee on Human Rights, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, and others in urging a comprehensive review of British law and policing practices to ensure they uphold the right to protest. Specifically, we call for:

• The immediate dropping of charges against those unjustly arrested or charged in relation to the 18 January protest.

• An independent investigation into the policing of the Palestine rally, with a particular focus on the conditions imposed and the arrests and charges made, and the subsequent claims made by the police.

• A repeal of recent anti-protest laws that have unjustifiably restricted the ability to engage in peaceful protest.

• A recalibration of the legal framework to protect and promote the right to protest in line with international human rights standards.

We urge you to take immediate steps to address these issues and restore public confidence in the right to peaceful protest. The ability to demonstrate freely and effectively is not only a cornerstone of democracy but also a vital lifeline for communities striving for justice, such as ours.

We would welcome the opportunity to discuss these concerns further and look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely,