The police repression and persecution of Muslim youths and others following the Gaza demonstrations in January continues. They have now arrested a total of 93 people, with the latest raid taking place yesterday. The casual police violence in the video above was typical of their attitude towards our peaceful protests in solidarity with the people of Gaza.
Met Police press release 7 May 2009
Six arrested in ongoing investigation into violence at demonstrations
Six people have been arrested this morning, 7 May, as part of Operation Ute, the Met's ongoing investigation into violence at a series of demonstrations in central London during January 2009.
The investigation team was formed in January this year after a series of demonstrations in central London descended into violence, with attacks on police officers and a number of shop windows being smashed.
To date 93 people have been arrested (including today's arrests) in connection with offences at the demonstrations. This is the second arrest phase since the investigation team formed.
At least 55 police officers have reported being injured during the policing of these demonstrations. Fortunately the vast majority of injuries were minor. However, on 10 January one police officer was knocked unconscious after he was hit by a metal object.
The demonstrations:
3 January 2009:
On 3 January a lawful march of around 12,000 went from Embankment to Trafalgar Square. What followed saw around 2,000 start a spontaneous march from the Square to the Israeli Embassy. Police worked hard to facilitate to the march to keep participants safe. Along the route of the march a small number of people repeatedly tried to break through police lines and hurled objects including fireworks at officers. Once at the Embassy a small group continued to try and attack police, breaking apart barriers and throwing them at police. This went on for approximately three hours.
Afterwards a search of the area recovered a knife embedded in the Embassy gatepost, which police believe had been thrown at officers. Some 13 people were arrested at the time, but detectives are still seeking in the region of 17 people for offences such as serious violent disorder.
10 January 2009:
On 10 January a march left Speakers Corner for the Israeli Embassy. Police believe there were between 15 - 20,000 people taking part. An initial attempt to breach security at the north gate of Kensington Palace Gardens resulted in police coming under attack from a small group of protestors throwing sticks and stones. The gate and nearby street furniture were also damaged. In front of the Embassy itself officers came under a sustained three-hour attack from a group who were intent on breaching police security barriers. People hurled metal barriers, sticks and stones at officers.
Four shops had their windows smashed and people attacked police vehicles. A 'Starbucks' was looted and people used items they had stolen to then throw at police. 24 people were arrested on the day; detectives are now seeking at least 20 people for offences ranging from serious violent disorder. CCTV and material taken by specialist evidence gatherers is now being reviewed by the team.
Those arrested are: A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder at an address in Ealing. A 20-yea-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder at an address in Notting Hill. A 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder at an address in Tower Hamlets. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder at an address in Wood Green. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder at an address in Holloway. A 17-year-old male youth was arrested on suspicion of violent disorder at an address in Tower Hamlets.
The cop's ridiculous estimates of the protest numbers is revealing in and of itself. 12,000 at the first demo!? 15-20,000 at the major demo!? And another thing! Why doesn't this press release mention arresting anyone on suspicion of the manslaughter of Ian Tomlinson?
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