By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) - The UK's official human rights watchdog on Friday warned the government and police forces over concerns about the policing of protests in Gaza, the West Bank, and Israel.
The warning comes amid broader police operations targeting protesters who openly support Palestine Action, which is illegal given the group's banned status.
More than 500 people were detained in London last Saturday, with the vast majority accused of carrying placards or signs allegedly supporting the group.
According to police statistics, approximately half of those arrested were 60 years or older.
In a letter to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) recognized the “particular challenges and tensions” facing officers but stressed that the right to protest was “a cornerstone of any healthy democracy” and protected under articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
- 'Blanket approaches risk creating a chilling effect'
However, EHCR's concerns extend beyond Palestine Action, as the letter focuses on people who have been challenged by police for participating in larger demonstrations about Gaza.
As an example, it cited the case of Laura Murton, who was reportedly threatened with arrest under the Terrorism Act by Kent Police for waving a Palestinian flag and holding signs reading "Free Gaza" and "Israel is committing genocide."
EHCR Chairwoman Baroness Kishwer Falkner issued a warning, saying: "Heavy-handed policing or blanket approaches risk creating a chilling effect, deterring citizens from exercising their fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly through fear of possible consequences."
The EHRC expressed concern at reports of police engaging with individuals whose protests were not connected to any banned organizations, cautioning that such interventions should be lawful and assessed on a case-by-case basis.
It said disproportionate action could not only affect those directly involved but could also undermine broader public trust in the UK’s commitment to democratic freedoms.
"The EHRC is concerned by reports of police engagement with individuals participating in forms of protest that are not linked to any proscribed organization," it underlined.
"Whilst we acknowledge police expertise in assessing security risks, we want to emphasize that any interference with protest rights must be lawful and assessed case-by-case," it added.
The commission has called for “clear and consistent guidance” for all police officers on their human rights obligations concerning protest, adding that it stands ready to offer expertise to help maintain the balance between public safety and the protection of fundamental rights.